A friend was let go from a firm she has a non compete contract with. Since she was let go is that contract still valid?

New York law takes a very dim view of contracts that preclude employees from engaging in their traditional livelihoods. Generally speaking, non-competition agreements are enforceable in New York only to the extent necessary to protect the employer's confidential information (e.g., customer lists, formulae, etc.) and otherwise very limited. However, without knowing the nature of your friend's agreement, it cannot be said that she may ignore it with impunity. She should have the agreement reviewed by an attorney.