Nonprofit spotlight: The Global Child
Photo provided by The Global Child
Parents often display their six-year-old’s drawings on the refrigerator, using whatever magnet is closest at hand. With an extraordinary child, like Elisabeth Dubois, that childhood sketch became something far greater–the logo for a nonprofit born from a shared conviction that every child, regardless of circumstance, deserves the chance to thrive.
Now 27, Dubois’ commitment to this cause is deeply rooted in her family’s legacy. Her grandmother, Judy Wheeler, co-founded The Global Child (TGC) in 2004 alongside philanthropists Chet and Karen Opalka. The nonprofit was built on a mission to transform the lives of marginalized children, families, and communities in Cambodia through high-quality education, developmental support, and empowerment training.
“Watching my grandmother and the Opalkas build this taught me that true change doesn’t come from grand gestures,” Dubois reflects. “It comes from consistent compassion, dedication, and an unshakable belief in others.”
In 2003, Judy Wheeler was deeply moved after seeing footage of impoverished children in Cambodia—many of whom dreamed of going to school but were instead forced to beg on the streets as young as five, living in makeshift shelters built from scrap metal or plastic bags.
Determined to make a difference, Wheeler partnered with the Opalkas to establish a school dedicated to giving these children a path to education, safety, and opportunity. 21 years later, that vision has grown into a thriving nonprofit with its largest student body to date. The Global Child has graduated over 100 students, many of whom have gone on to pursue higher education—some studying medicine, others preparing to become educators themselves. Despite the many barriers to leaving Cambodia, several graduates have earned scholarships to attend universities in Thailand, continuing to break cycles of poverty and redefine what’s possible.
“I kind of fell into it after my grandmother founded it,” says Dubois. From the moment she created the logo, she became fully invested. Initially, she started as a pen pal for some Cambodian students.
“I learned what they went through. Some walked ten miles a day, barefoot, collecting garbage or begging for just a dollar to feed their six siblings. Others were forced to eat Styrofoam to survive. These stories profoundly impacted me; from an early age, I realized just how lucky I was. So many of us, especially in the U.S., are fortunate to have basic necessities and security. This understanding motivated me to give back, not only to them but also locally in the Capital Region,” she shares.
“Their stories opened my eyes to the privilege I was born into—and reminded me that gratitude must be paired with action.”
Dubois has grown alongside TGC. Today, she serves as the Director of Marketing, Outreach, and Fundraising, working closely with the Cambodian team, including the school principal, on a daily basis—despite the 11-hour time difference. It would be easier to list what she doesn’t do for the organization.
Moreover, she does it all without pay. All U.S.-based staff serve 100% pro bono.
“The only paid employees are the teachers and principal in Cambodia. Everyone else donates their time. We maintain zero overhead; every dollar raised goes directly to the school.”
The organization has also empowered its students significantly. “We have doctors, architects, computer scientists —this field is booming in Cambodia—and many future teachers. Our community mentorship program, which serves local schools with limited classroom capacity, has impacted over a thousand students over the past 21 years,” she explains.
By day, Dubois is a cybersecurity risk professional and researcher, working to improve cybersecurity readiness for local governments in New York State and beyond. She holds a B.S. in Digital Forensics, an MBA, and a Ph.D in Information Science/Cybersecurity from the University at Albany, where she also serves as an adjunct professor. When asked, somewhat humorously, about what she does in her free time, Dubois doesn’t hesitate. She speaks passionately about using every spare moment to make a difference, whether through research, volunteer work, caregiving, or championing community initiatives.
And she means it.
“TGC isn’t just a nonprofit; it’s a movement. It’s a commitment to justice and equity, grounded in the belief that with the right support, any child can rise. I volunteer not for recognition or reward—but because this work is a calling. One I feel deeply. While the needs are great, so is our determination, and we can’t do it alone. Whether you give, volunteer, or simply share our story, you become part of the TGC family. Together, we can ensure that every child—not just the privileged few—has the chance to dream, learn, lead, and shine.
To learn more or to support the mission, visit www.theglobalchild.org.