North Korean refugee artist pursues her dream

I would like to share something about freedom, understanding, and connection.

All of you from different countries and cultures have a special ability — the ability to understand different perspectives and connect with people from different worlds.

Even though my story is about North Korea, freedom, and art, it is also a story about understanding other people’s lives.

Through my art, I express my longing for the home I lost, my desire for freedom, and the voices of those still isolated from the world. My journey reflects not only my own experiences, but also the hopes of many, and through sharing it, I hope to contribute to building a better future for all of us.

Supporting this campaign is more than helping one person—it is supporting a North Korean escapee artist striving to inspire change. By participating, you are helping build a future unified society and a world where people and communities can connect, understand each other, and grow together.

If my story helps you see the world with more empathy, curiosity, and courage, then that is already something very meaningful.

Thanks to a generous South Korean donor, Freedom Speakers International is running a Matching Challenge to empower North Korean refugees.

The Matching Donor has pledged $42,000 to FSI or $3,500 per month. The sooner we can hit the goal, the sooner we can get the money.

At FSI, we empower North Korean refugees through education and public speaking. Participants build English skills, develop confidence on stage, and learn how to present their own experiences with accuracy and dignity. Many now speak at universities, conferences, and public forums around the world. Some are publishing books, contributing to media discussions, and telling their stories in English for the first time.

This Matching Challenge allows every fundraiser created and every contribution made to have a greater impact. By starting or supporting a fundraiser, you help unlock additional matching funds that directly support mentoring, training sessions, speech preparation, and public events.

How can you join this?

* Become a monthly donor of any amount. 

* If you are already a monthly donor, you may switch your monthly donation to this fundraiser.

* Set up a fundraiser in support of this project.

Even if your fundraiser does not raise money, creating one still matters. Each new fundraiser increases visibility, expands our reach, and helps us unlock more support through the matching challenge.

Casey Lartigue Jr.
Co-founder and Chairman
Freedom Speakers International (FSI)