Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and More Use Their Influence to Benefit the Greater Good

Colombian singer Shakira, who is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, has used her platform to help improve the lives of children. Her foundation “Pies Descalzos” [Barefoot] has helped build schools in her native country ane ensure that undeprivileged children have access to education and nutrition.

“All I have to do is close my eyes and I can imagine their faces. I know that each child has a name, a heart, a dream; I know that their lives are just as valuable as yours or mine. Yet many of these children die every day in total abandonment,” Shakira has said. 

Jennifer Lopez uses her influence to improve the health and well-being of women and children via access to medical care through the Lopez Family Foundation. The Nuyorican singer and actress also fights for gender equality as Global Advocate for Girls and Women of the United Nations Foundation.

Lopez has supported charities like March of Dimes and helped raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

Gloria and Emilio Estefan have helped numerous charities over thee decades. The Cuban music power couple also host the “Feed a Friend” charity, which helps the homeless, every Thanksgiving in Miami.

Besides being a spokesperson for the organization Padres Contra el Cancer (Parents Against Cancer), Eva Longoria helped raise money for the victims of the devastating earthquake in Mexico last year. The Mexican-American actress also empowers women in her community with the Eva Longoria Foundation, which helps Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship.

Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin flew to his island to bring essential supplies to the victims of Hurricane Maria last year. The artist, who is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, has also battled human trafficking for years with the Ricky Martin Foundation. The organization’s mission is to “denounce human trafficking and educate about its existence through research and community initiatives, anchored in the defense of children and youth rights.”

Marc Anthony’s foundation Maestro Cares improves the quality of life for orphaned children throughout Latin America, providing housing, schooling, nutrition and more.

Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee recently joined a Susan G. Komen Foundation march in Puerto Rico to support cancer patients. The “Dura” singer also helped raise funds for the island’s hurricane victims. 

Daddy Yankee’s foundation Corazón Guerrero (Warrior Heart), which helps former inmates reintegrate into society, opened Daddy’s House, a children’s center for underprivileged kids in Dominican Republic.

Puerto Rican actress Roselyn Sánchez is an animal lover and was part of PETA’s anti-fur campaign. She also supports organizations like PET SOS, which promotes the adoption of homeless animals and fights to end animal abuse in Puerto Rico. 

Singer Maluma’s Colombia-based foundation, El Arte de los Sueños (“The Art of Dreams”) seeks to motivate and inspire at-risk youth through arts programs. “During this past year, my foundation has helped the most vulnerable kids in Medellín,” he told PEOPLE CHICA of his hometown.

Colombian singer Juanes’ Fundación Mi Sangre [My Blood Foundation] provides psychosocial support for victims of violence in Colombia. The organization promotes peace through education, art, extracurricular activies and training for youth.