Natalia Denegri Has Been Recognized by Miami’s Mayor Francis X. Suárez for Her Social Work With Children in Vulnerable Communities

Natalia Denegri doubles-down on philanthropic work during the pandemic

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The humanitarian work of actress, producer and entrepreneur Natalia Denegri can be described as a way of life. Born in Argentina, she was called to philanthropy since adolescence. Now, the 17-times Emmy Award winner and longtime resident of Florida has been honored by the city of Miami for her work in solidarity with underserved communities.

Her efforts in the United States span more than a decade, and for the past 13 years, the city of Miami has been home to her growing family, along with her production company, Trinitus Productions, the restaurant chain where she’s partner, Baires Grill, and her initiatives in service of communities in the US and Latin America. These efforts include her popular children’s show Corazones Guerreros (Warrior Hearts), which brings positive messaging and community support to Latino families from the US and 7 countries in Latin America via Mega TV. Her award-winning documentaries have given voice to humanitarian causes in the US and beyond, and her role as a spokesperson for The Hassenfeld Family Foundation has seen her organize international aid missions alongside the foundation’s three generations of leadership.

But this way of life sometimes means risking her own. During the pandemic, she worked to provide masks, food, water, medicine and medical supplies in the US, Venezuela, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Argentina. She made headlines for obtaining a life-saving medicine for a young girl in Argentina, while in Colombia she collaborated with Hasbro Toys and The Guajira Project to build the very first two schools for the Wayuú communities. Through Corazones Guerreros she brought clear, calm messaging and information in a fun way for Latino kids living in the US. Filming with her young collaborators via Zoom for maximum safety without halting production, she worked with her young team – some of whom have special needs – to produce content to meet the moment, including the Suncoast Emmy-winning short film "Superheroes," which highlights the work of physicians, volunteers, scientists, and nurses during the pandemic.

An addition to her recent recognition by Miami’s mayor Francis X. Suárez for her social work with children in vulnerable communities, Natalia has been lauded by the US Congress for her relief efforts in Puerto Rico after the devastation of Hurricane Maria, in which she did not only bring first-aid supplies, food, water and medicines, but also saved the lives of more than 300 American citizens who needed urgent care by bringing them to the US. She also received the Carteles Award as the host of Corazones Guerreros, and this November, she’ll be honored at the Orion Star International Awards in Dubai for her outstanding role as TV hostess and philantropist. Natalia was also named one of People Magazine en Español’s 25 Most Powerful Latina Women in the US, alongside the names of Salma Hayek, Thalia and more.

More than anything, Natalia knows that important work is done in community, and credits the unwavering support and collaboration of hers, including Alan Hassenfeld, former chairman and CEO of Hasbro Toys and head of The Hassenfeld Family Foundation, Estefanía Mönch, Hasbro Toys Philanthropy and Social Impact manager, and Nelson Bustamante, co-producer of Corazones Guerreros and winner of 20 Suncoast Emmys, as well as the incredible team behind the TV show.

As a mother, the value of working in solidarity with those who need it most is something she teaches her 7-year old daughter, who joins her mother on most of her humanitarian missions and has even saved her own money to give to other children in need. Throughout the pandemic, throughout the past 13 years in the United States, and throughout her life, Natalia’s work has saved lives, and made her strive to live up her own personal motto: to be the light where there is darkness.