Wardell Frazier Jr.

Wardell, a native of Grand Rapids, has dedicated over 18 years to the non-profit sector, primarily in leadership roles focused on youth development. His non-profit journey commenced in 2006 with the City of Grand Rapids LOOP after school and summer programs, where he effectively managed and led various sites until 2013. Additionally, Wardell has actively engaged in community roles related to housing, workforce development, and public transit.

His most recent position was with The Rapid as the Community Relations & External Government Affairs Specialist. In this role, he was accountable for fostering partnerships, eliminating barriers, and broadening public transportation access within the community.

Wardell’s extensive work in the non-profit sector has enabled him to cultivate invaluable partnerships and connections while gaining a profound understanding of the city. He also spent three years in Naples, Florida, overseeing youth development programs for an organization that had undergone a capital campaign, similar to The Diatribe. He credits this experience as helping him to understand the key components of fundraising, building partnerships, and serving underserved communities.

In 2018, Wardell and his wife Shaundra co-founded a local non-profit organization dedicated to imparting life skills to middle and high school students in West Michigan. Wardell has been honored with several awards, including the Crains Business Journal 2022 40 under 40 award and The South Kent Chamber’s Inaugural Fabulous 15 under 40 award in 2023, in 2024 Wardell was recognized by the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum as a Notable Black leader in West Michigan.

Furthermore, Wardell actively volunteers by serving on numerous boards and committees in West Michigan, including the Black Legacy Fund with The Grand Community Foundation, Community Relations Commission with the City of Grand Rapids, and The West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. He also serves as the Board Chair for the Diversity Business Council with The South Kent Chamber of Commerce.

Wardell attributes his major influences to his wife and two young sons, expressing his desire to continue positively impacting young lives. He is thrilled about being selected as the next Executive Director of The Diatribe and eagerly anticipates leading the organization in its mission to impact the community through its restorative art and educational programs.