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ELIZABETH SHAFIROFF

BOARD MEMBER

Elizabeth (Liz) became involved in animal rescue in her early twenties when she adopted her first dog: Rusty, a Shiba-Inu rescue who came from a kill shelter in Kentucky. This began her strong affinity for all animals, and she soon became a foster mom for pitbulls who were scheduled to be euthanized at New York City’s Animal Care & Control Centers. Years later, she began traveling outside of the United States and was shocked by the overpopulation crisis of stray animals and the suffering of working animals. 

 On her first trip to Nicaragua, Liz began seeking out local animal rescuers and veterinarians in an attempt to learn more about the stray and working animals that seemed to be everywhere she turned. Liz was immediately moved and inspired by their dedication and passion for animals despite not having the resources they needed for their work, largely due to a lack of funding. Global Strays emerged from her desire to help these rescuers, local veterinarians, economically disadvantaged pet owners, and their communities.

INGRID ARNEBERG

BOARD MEMBER

 Ever since Ingrid and her grandmother rescued, rehabilitated and released an owl when she was a little girl in Indiana, she has been passionate about taking in animals and rescuing them. Ingrid believes that because animals are here with us, on this planet, as fellow beings, it is our responsibility to be their voice and take care of them. Their love is unconditional and they bring magic to our lives.

She is a member of The Raw Food Chef Alliance. She is working on her raw food chef certification with the Pachavega Raw Food Culinary Institute based out of Nicaragua.

Ingrid is on the Honorary Board of the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center in the Hamptons. She is also on the board of the Guardian Angels, where there is an Ingrid Arneberg Animal Rescue Van that responds to animal emergencies, animal neglect and abuse, as well as spay and neutering.

She loves all dogs and animals, but Ingrid has a soft spot for Akitas, a notoriously misunderstood breed. It is extremely important to Ingrid to continue to help animals around the world that need care.

JEAN SHAFIROFF

BOARD MEMBER

Jean especially fell in love with animals when her oldest daughter decided to adopt Charlie, a chihuahua. Since then the family has owned several rescue dogs and cats. For many years Jean Shafiroff has served on the Honorary Board of the Southampton Animal Shelter and has chaired their gala for many years and, she was honored by them at their Annual Gala in 2017.

For the past few years she has served as the Ambassador for the Southampton Animal Shelter and as an Ambassador for American Humane. Jean is an animal activist who believes that animals should be treated with dignity and respect.

LEYLA LIGOURI

BOARD MEMBER

It was at a young age Leyla developed a love and passion for animals. Having spent endless hours at the stable, she learned the meaning of responsibility and compassion. About four years ago, Leyla took in a rescue pit-bull named Frankie. Having grown such a deep love for him, Leyla felt obligated to better educate herself on the misunderstood breed. Through Frankie and her own research, Leyla has been able to change people’s perception of pit-bulls; her goal is to continue to create awareness on the breed.

LINDSAY FEINSTEIN

BOARD MEMBER

Lindsay discovered her passion for animals when she rescued her first kitten at the age of 4 and nursed him back to health. Since then Lindsay has been a constant supporter of animal non-profit organizations including Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles, The ASPCA of New York City, and Austin’s Yorkie Haven Rescue program. Lindsay currently has a nearly 17-year-old Yorkie named Mia whom she rescued at 3 months of age.

Dr. Zac Pilossoph

BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Zac Pilossoph, is a nationally recognized Fear-Free Certified integrative veterinarian and top graduate of Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. He is currently one of the most medical cannabis-focused vets in the holistic veterinary medicine space and speaks about the multiple benefits CBD can offer to all types of animals across the country. Furthermore, Dr. Zac enjoys successfully balancing conventional western medicine techniques with holistic-based remedies in order to maximize pet health, wellness, and longevity. With integrative medicine still being a relatively novel approach to patient care, Dr. Zac is extremely excited to be at the forefront of this movement alongside a select group of veterinarians who believe in the same principles he has come to trust and uphold.

Dr. Zac elected to join the Global Strays board of directors team after realizing the fierce passion and determination the organization had for making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of animals. With numerous projects and programs already in the works, Dr. Zac hopes to add contributory value and medical expertise to an already successful group and assist in expanding its impact globally.

Dee Rivera

BOARD MEMBER

Headshot of Dee Rivera.
Dee Rivera is considered by many the Latina of fashion and the trailblazer in discovering new designers, , bringing nearly 25 years of fashion and public relations experience, and working with some of the most recognizable fashion, beauty, luxury, lifestyle brands, and celebrities in the world, Dee has her polished finger on the pulse of the next big trend.

Dee’s background started in editorial fashion working for magazines such as Modern Bride Magazine, Essence Communication, and spent 3 years as the Director of Fashion at Latina Magazine. Her career shifted when she decided to dabble into public relations. Ever the entrepreneur, the rest is history. She is the creator of Latinista.com, Latinista Fashion Week, Hamptons Fashion Week, Times Square Fashion Week, and the author of Glambition Knocking Down Walls in Heels. As CEO and founder of DCG Public Relations and DCG Media Group, Dee is an expert at crafting and delivering the messages of her brands to the media, and consumers alike. She works tirelessly to secure the top print outlets as well as high profile digital magazines, blogs, and national TV. With a gift of the pen and a flair for the dramatic, she is also a jet setting lifestyle writer, forthcoming author, and animal lover. Her goal is to have a farm & rescue all animals who need a home.

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