Frederick Riley: The People Who Hold Us Up
From Who Got Me Here by Jamie Grenney
March 12, 2026 · 42 min · Season 7 · Episode 2
About this episode
Frederick Riley shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming the Executive Director of Weave, highlighting the importance of community and mentorship.
Frederick Riley grew up in Saginaw, Michigan surrounded by eviction notices, food insecurity, and the constant feeling that something might go wrong at any moment. Yet his story is ultimately one of possibility. Along the way, a remarkable network of people — a determined mother, a pastor, a principal, teachers, mentors, and neighbors — helped shape the path that would eventually lead him to become Executive Director of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute. In this deeply personal conversation, Fred reflects on the moment he met his father for the first time at age eleven, the mentors who helped him see a bigger future, and the painful lessons that ultimately strengthened his commitment to community and service. Fred also shares how his work today focuses on identifying and supporting “weavers,” the everyday people quietly rebuilding trust and connection in communities across America. It is a powerful reminder that none of us gets where we are alone. Our lives are shaped by the people who see us, challenge us, and lift us up along the way. www.whogotmehere.com Time Stamps: 00:00 – A Defining Moment: Feeling Seen for the First Time 02:20 – Growing Up with…
People in this episode
Host: Jamie Grenney
Guest: Frederick Riley
Topics covered
- mentorship
- community service
- personal growth
- overcoming adversity
- network of support
Keywords
- mentorship
- community
- personal story
- support network
- service
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Weave: The Social Fabric Project, Aspen Institute
Places: Saginaw, Michigan
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