Elizabeth Firgeleski

Raised in Fairfield, CT, Elizabeth Firgeleski earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

After graduation, she spent time in Italy immersing herself in the language and culture. Once returning stateside she began her career in fashion. While she recognized the power of fashion and the cross-cultural influence it had, the work was not fulfilling. Elizabeth felt she was meant to help others and as a result in December of 2004, she boarded a plane to Thailand to begin her quest to realize that calling.

Just weeks later, Elizabeth nearly lost her life. When the waves of the Asian Tsunami hit shore, she was on Krabi Beach. Her survival challenged her spirituality as she questioned why she was spared when so many others lost their lives. During her recovery, the initial passion of helping others that brought her to Thailand was focused into a project which today is known as, A Global Friendship. AGF was started as an extension of her gratitude to the Thai people who were so gracious in helping her to safety. Today, the organization has helped bring sustainability to artisans across Southeast Asia.

Elizabeth currently spends her time between Fairfield, CT and Brooklyn, NY.