Stacey's Bio
Stacey Edgar is the founder of Global Girlfriend, a fair trade company she started in 2003 to help women worldwide gain economic security while providing consumers a simple way to help women in need. Global Girlfriend grew from a $2,000 investment from her tax refund into a multi-million dollar brand helping women artisans in over 30 countries. She is the author of the book Global Girlfriends: How One Mom Made it Her Mission to Help Women in Poverty Worldwide and a social impact business consultant helping social entrepreneurs, artisan businesses, non-profits and corporations launch and grown world changing social enterprises and corporate social responsibility programs.
Stacey has been honored by the Microsoft Corporation as a recipient of the company’s Start Something Amazing Awards, by Organic Style as one of their 2005 Women with Organic Style, by Multichannel Merchant magazine as a “Maven of Merchandise,” and she and her brand have been featured in several national publications including O, The Oprah Magazine, In Style, Forbes, USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, Redbook, and Seventeen.
Stacey is a founding board member of Trade+Impact Association, a global trade association advancing women-led social enterprises in Africa and the Middle East. She is a sought-after international speaker, consultant, and trainer; and a Lecturer at The University of Colorado Leeds School of Business. She blogs about social entrepreneurship at staceyedgar.com and runs a signature online course, The Social Justice Startup, providing a roadmap for purpose driven businesses.
Global Girlfriends Book
Praise & Reviews:
“Stacey’s story of starting Global Girlfriend is a wonderful example of the incredible change that one person can make with small but persistently bold steps. Being a changemaker has nothing to do with having fancy degrees, lots of resources, or being an ‘expert’ in philanthropy or business. Every one of us has the capacity to create something special… it just takes creativity and the willingness to face your fears – both of failure and success. If you’re looking for inspiration, this book is definitely worth a read.” -Blake Mycoskie, Founder & Chief Shoe Giver, TOMS Shoes
“Stacey Edgar’s Global Girlfriends is a heartening story of big dreams and small steps. Tireless and passionate, Edgar has forged ahead with a beguiling combination of head and heart to create a business model that works for rich and poor alike, linking together women from around the world. Global poverty, like so many seemingly insurmountable problems, can be tackled one girlfriend at a time.” -Pietra Rivoli, author of Travels of a T-shirt in the Global Economy
“In my work and travels I have been amazed by the ability of women to change not only their own lives, but the lives of their families, and communities as well. I am convinced that no village, community, or town on this planet can be changed for the better without involving the local women. Miss Edgar’s story is a beautiful example of what one woman from the west can do to improve the lives of thousands worldwide simply by following her heart. Her idea is simple; help women pull themselves out of poverty and they will pull those around them out as well. However, her story is nothing short of amazing and it will inspire even the most timid of dreamers to get out and try their hand at making a difference in the world.” -Doc Hendley, President & Founder, Wine to Water
“Global Girlfriends is an inspiring book by an inspiring woman. Stacey Edgar takes us on a journey from her suburban American basement to some of the most impoverished areas of the world with humor, humility, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Her story proves that one person’s drive, passion, and commitment can make a real impact in the struggle to eradicate global poverty and empower women around the world.” -Greg Mortenson, New York Times bestselling author of Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools
Kirkus Review:
The impressive story of how one socially conscious young American woman is changing the lives of poor women in third-world countries.
Edgar’s message is that one committed person can take actions that have a major impact on the lives of other individuals. To help others follow her lead, she concludes with a five-point summary of the lessons she has learned from her experience.
An engaging read, upbeat and inspiring.
