Women To Watch Awards 2026 honors Dr. Freadda Zeigler

Dr. Freadda Zeigler, PhD, is a passionate advocate for psychologically healthy workplaces and a firm believer that leadership is a privilege, a chance to serve, support, and help others grow rather than leave them staggered or stagnant.

As a proud Miami, Florida native, she brings more than 30 years of experience across

organizational development, leadership, soft skills training, and social services. Her career

reflects a lifelong journey of understanding people, platforms, behavior, and performance —

and how each shapes the way we show up for one another.

Her doctoral research in workplace toxicity is grounded in the Social‑Cognitive Theory in

psychology, influencing her personal leadership approach and the way she mentors others. She teaches from the belief that people often mirror what they see, for better or for worse.

Through her work with emerging and experienced leaders, she emphasizes a core truth: self-reflection should never be optional when you’re responsible for pouring into others.

As a consultant, speaker, trainer, and mentor, Freadda has guided leaders in professional, community, and personal spaces, reminding them that leadership is not confined to a job title. Her signature motto: “Don’t permit people with temporary titles from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to define your value and self-worth in your 24hour day” underscores her belief that humanity outranks hierarchy, both on and off the clock.

Her leadership philosophy is captured in her book, Unkept Leadership: The Neglected Topics, where she introduces the “Leadership Laundry Basket,” a metaphor inviting leaders to examine their character, confront what’s been neglected, and find the courage to keep washing what hasn’t come clean yet — trusting that growth happens by responding to the overlooked stains in every load.

Through her work, Freadda helps leaders cultivate environments rooted in connection, collaboration, and mutual respect. And she holds fast to one belief: every leader has stains; the brave ones keep intentionally scrubbing, and they add a little laughter to the detergent.