Kayleigh Fitzgerald

KayLeigh Fitzgerald is a Ph.D. candidate in International Conflict Management at Kennesaw State University and a scholar-practitioner bringing half a decade of grounded, global experience in peacebuilding, human rights, and high-level advocacy. Spanning the U.S., Colombia, Taiwan, and Liberia, her international work centers on the transformative power of community-led peacebuilding where she remains deeply committed to approaches that recognize local communities as primary agents of change, advancing dignity and equality in both principle and practice.

Fitzgerald’s expertise seamlessly bridges high-level research and direct community support with a career encompassing an extensive foundation in U.S. immigration law, leading refugee initiatives with the International Rescue Committee, a prestigious graduate fellowship with UNESCO, and serving as the key English Writing Editor for the Director Generals of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.

Importantly, throughout her career, she has prioritized working alongside communities rather than speaking for them—a key philosophy aligning her with the Dignity and Rights Foundation’s commitment to supporting existing community leadership. Uniquely equipped with sharp legal discipline, cross-cultural expertise, and an unwavering dedication to grassroots partnership, Fitzgerald brings strategic vision, governance, and institutional accountability to the Board as we defend human dignity and rights.