Shakira Mebarak

Shakira’s humanitarian and advocacy work is focused on universal education and early childhood development, particularly the health, nutrition and stimulation of children who are not yet in school. Shakira has a three-part strategy which includes foundations dedicated to development advocacy in Colombia, Latin America and the World. In October 2011, President Obama appointed Shakira to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, a commission dedicated to advising Obama and Secretary Arne Duncan on issues of educational success related to Hispanic students.

Shakira also serves as one of UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassadors, advocating for the importance of establishing political initiatives that put an end to the higher number of children without access to education. Shakira is also founder of the Pies Descalzos Foundation in Barranquilla, Colombia, which consists of support programs for children and their families to increase quality of life and give them opportunity to exercise their right to an education, which will later determine their growth and development in society. Shakira has won many awards for her music, including two Grammy Awards, eight Latin Grammy Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, 28 Billboard Latin Music Awards and has been Golden Globe-nominated.