Falcon Flashback | Dr. Anne Ellis Friesen '81
Dr. Anne Friesen '81 has continued to serve as a trailblazer for social justice and human services here in Moore County and beyond. She reflects on her accomplishments and O'Neal memories.
How and when did you end up at O’Neal, and when did you graduate?
In 1973, my father, Dr. John Ellis, was offered a position with the Pinehurst Surgical Clinic as a new Orthopedic Surgeon. We relocated from St. Louis, MO, to Pinehurst when I was beginning the fifth grade. I started attending O’Neal School in fifth grade, with Mr. Jim Miles as my teacher and Mr. Haarlow as the headmaster. I graduated from O’Neal in 1981.
After graduating from O’Neal, what college(s) did you attend? What did you study?
After graduating from O’Neal School, I attended and graduated from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where I continued the family tradition as a fifth-generation Jayhawk. Both my parents and grandparents are KU alumni. At KU, I earned a degree in education with minors in fine arts and film studies.
Following my undergraduate studies, I pursued a master’s degree from KU in theater and media arts and completed an honors program in film production at New York University. I later earned a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University. Additionally, I obtained certifications from Harvard University’s Kennedy School Executive Education in Performance Measurement for Effective Management of Non-Profit Organizations, as well as from Duke University’s Executive Education Program in Non-Profit Management and Non-Profit Leadership.
What have you been up to over the last 30 or so years? Work? Family?
In 1987, my husband, Bob Friesen, an attorney at Robbins, May & Rich LLP, and I moved to Moore County to work and raise our family. We have three adult children: Mitchell, Matthew, and Isabel. All three attended O’Neal School, with Mitchell '09 and Matthew '11 graduating from O’Neal, and Isabel graduating from Pinecrest.
For more than 20 years, I have worked in the social justice and human services fields. Currently, I serve as a Chief Strategy Consultant specializing in anti-human trafficking and Health and Human Services. My work focuses on developing Empowerment organizational models for systems working in these areas, and I am dedicated to driving social, economic, and environmental change.
Previously, I served as the executive director of Friend to Friend for over 12 years, where I led efforts to enhance the safety, health, and well-being of homeless and displaced survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. My passion lies in improving the lives of survivors and advancing an intersectional, anti-oppression approach to community response systems for victims of interpersonal violence.
Earlier in my career, I focused on working with under-served populations to create sustainable non-profit organizations and evidence-based programming that fosters self-sufficiency. Eight years ago, I developed HELP, a program designed to empower survivors of interpersonal violence to achieve self-sufficiency and live free from abuse.
I am committed to building people's power through work on racial, environmental, economic, and housing justice. Before my work in social justice and human services, I created educational programs and materials aimed at building stronger families.
Most recently, I am consulting in my leadership roles with Empowerment Now and Human Trafficking Now. I am also working in Saudi Arabia to help create the optimal operational model for sheltering and empowering displaced women. This role involves developing and implementing effective strategies to enhance shelter operations and support systems for women in need.
Activities & Affiliations
I enjoy volunteering and have served on several nonprofit boards. I was on the Board of Directors and Co-Chairperson of the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence for six years and have also served on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Coalition Against Human Trafficking. In 2016, I was honored as one of three Moore County Citizens of the Year by the Rotary Club of Carthage, recognizing community members who exemplify the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” Additionally, I was named Moore County Woman of the Year in 2019 by the NC Community Foundation.
What are the O’Neal memories that still stand out the most to you?
I cherish many fond memories from my time at O’Neal, including special field trips to Williamsburg, Washington, DC, and white-water rafting adventures. Playing team sports such as softball, basketball, and volleyball under Coach Beth Whitman was a highlight. I also discovered my creativity in art classes with Mrs. Stuckey and developed a deep appreciation for Renaissance and Reformation history under Mrs. Newton.
Additionally, I have enjoyed being a parent to O’Neal Falcons. The opportunity to connect with other parents and witness my children’s positive experiences at O’Neal has been incredibly rewarding.
About the author:
Blanche Slade Hancock '88 serves in O'Neal's development office focusing on alumni relations.
Want to nominate someone for Falcon Flashback? Email alumni@onealschool.org.
Read More Falcon Flashbacks!
About the author:
Blanche Slade Hancock '88 serves in O'Neal's development office focusing on alumni relations.
Want to nominate someone for Falcon Flashback? Email alumni@onealschool.org.
Read More Falcon Flashbacks!
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