Elizabeth Defreest
Global Partnerships, Project Design Manager @ofi North America (Olam Food Ingredients)
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WORK HISTORY
Global Partnerships, Project Design Manager @ofi North America (Olam Food Ingredients)
Washington, DC, US
olam food ingredients (ofi) is a global leader in natural and sustainable ingredients, partnering with over 2.4 million farmers across 50+ countries to supply cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices to some of the world’s most beloved brands. As part of the Sustainability and Global Partnerships team, I help develop and manage relationships with global philanthropies, banks, and multilateral organizations. My work focuses on articulating and packaging solutions to the challenges faced by the communities we source from, designing internal partnership frameworks, mapping relationship networks, and positioning ofi as the private sector partner of choice. Through these efforts, I help build mission-aligned collaborations that advance ofi’s Choices for Change goals and contribute to more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems by 2030 and beyond.
EDUCATION
Thunderbird School of Global Management
Executive Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management
American University
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Business
ABOUT ELIZABETH DEFREEST
As a tri-sector leader raised on a fourth-generation Vermont dairy farm, I’ve always believed in the power of purpose and partnership. With over a decade of experience across NGOs, government, and the private sector, I’ve collaborated with more than 200 companies and institutions to strengthen sustainable sourcing, smallholder livelihoods, circularity, and community resilience. My work has taken me across India, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mexico, and Italy, plus a dozen more countries, designing cross-cultural collaborations that advance ESG goals and unlock resources for inclusive, market-based solutions.Grounded in international development and business, I specialize in bridging grassroots needs with business priorities by designing and communicating impact initiatives that drive meaningful change. My experience spans project management, relationship building, and community development, complemented by a background in hospitality, photography, writing, and marketing to amplify the partnerships I lead.I’ve worked alongside multilateral donors, foundations, and Fortune 500 companies to increase the reach, relevance, and results of their sustainability investments. I thrive at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and systems thinking and I’m passionate about mission-driven partnerships that support both people and planet.Beyond agriculture, I care deeply about sustainable tourism, global exchange, ethical fashion, and animal welfare. I also mentor young professionals and volunteer alongside my Golden Retriever, Goose, as a certified therapy dog team.Let’s connect to build what’s next together.
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