Author: Mikaela Frigillana

SEATTLE — In 2016, English singer, songwriter and model Dua Lipa established Sunny Hill Foundation, a charity organization set up in Prishtina-Kosovo dedicated to being a helping-hand for the most vulnerable and in-need parts of the community. As its ultimate mission, Sunny Hill Foundation states, “We want to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement.” In an interview with Clash Magazine, the rising star explained in depth one of the highlights of her career to date, when she returned to South East Europe for the first time in four years. Lipa organized a…

SOWETO — U.S. rapper Big Sean founded the Sean Anderson Foundation with the vision of improving the lives of disadvantaged youth around the world by assisting with their education, health, safety and wellbeing. In 2015, Project Knapsack and the Sean Anderson Foundation partnered up to provide children in Soweto, South Africa with the educational resources they need to excel in the classroom. The partnership also gives U.S. students the opportunity to write to a pen pal in the developing world. Project Knapsack and Sean Anderson Foundation began by connecting students at Bates Academy in Detroit with the students at the Molalatladi…

MEXICO CITY — In early September 2017, 19-year-old singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes took to social media to spread the word about his campaign for Mexico Earthquake Relief in partnership with the American Red Cross. According to Mendes’ post, the funds raised will be going directly to disaster relief in Mexico. The American Red Cross is working directly with the Mexican Red Cross to determine the best allocation of these funds, which includes supporting requests for the deployment of staff, volunteers and supplies as well as any other requests as needed. On Instagram, Mendes detailed his experience in Mexico as a first-hand…

LOS ANGELES — At the 2017 Teen Choice Awards, which aired Sunday, August 13, Vanessa Hudgens accepted the See Her Award, a title which honors a woman who displays exemplary character through philanthropy and “seeing a change” for women and girls. The 28-year-old actress is known for her ties with different national and global charities, including Habitat for Humanity, a world leader in addressing the issues of poor housing conditions, and Make-a-Wish, a nonprofit that aims to make a difference in the lives of kids with life-threatening medical conditions. The See Her award honors the recipient for “pushing boundaries on…

SEATTLE — The “24K Magic” singer-songwriter has rightfully earned his title as one of the most successful current musical artists, with unforgettable performances and sold-out world tours. However, his philanthropy also plays a significant role in his expanding career. Bruno Mars contributes to relief efforts on both global and national standings as seen in his generous donations to Typhoon Yolanda victims in the Philippines, Flint’s ongoing water crisis and working relationship with Global Poverty Project. In March 2014, Mars donated $100,000 to Typhoon Yolanda victims. The funds went toward medical assistance to children affected by Yolanda through feeding programs, scholarships,…

LOS ANGELES — Israeli actress Gal Gadot, known for portraying “Wonder Woman” in the DC film, is using social media to advocate for the renowned nonprofit Pencils of Promise (PoP). Gadot takes a stance on education and its importance by promoting equal access to education for children. She is using her platform to raise funds to build schools in underprivileged areas around the world. Earlier in 2016, the superhero star posted to Facebook about her campaign with PoP, introducing her goal of raising $35,000. The money will be put toward building a new school. Gadot spoke in a video outlining…

SEATTLE — American eyeglass company Warby Parker is known for its fashionable eyewear. Less known is the “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” vision that is integral to its booming business and its goal of making an impact. Warby Parker x VisionSpring is a nonprofit partnership that has distributed more than two million pairs of glasses to people in need. It also trains men and women in developing countries to conduct basic eye exams and sell glasses to their communities at affordable prices, helping the world see. Warby Parker x VisionSpring operates according to a four-step process: shop, donate, train…

SEATTLE — Pop member of One Direction turned rock star solo artist Harry Styles helps forward global needs and is certainly a “Sweet Creature,” not just because of the track title on his new self-titled album, but because of his charitable relationship with the Lalela Project. This is an organization that provides arts education to at-risk youth in Cape Town, South Africa. Styles also has a growing interest in becoming a UNICEF Ambassador. Early in 2015, during One Direction’s “On the Road Again” tour, Styles visited students from the Lalela Project in Cape Town, South Africa to gift them with…

SEATTLE — Hailed for her recent starring roles in the films “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight” and her musical career, out of the spotlight, Janelle Monáe raises awareness around the world regarding global issues of education, poverty and disease. She has participated in numerous charitable campaigns and causes, including Let Girls Learn and Keep a Child Alive. Monáe joined forces with First Lady Michelle Obama, Missy Elliot, Kelly Clarkson, Kelly Rowland and Zendaya for a charity single entitled “This Is For My Girls.” The single helped promote messages of self-respect and dignity. “This Is For My Girls” supported Let Girls Learn…

SEATTLE — Founded by Nyree Corby, Fame and Partners is a made-to-order fashion company known for designing dresses that fight female poverty. The business is female-led, female-driven and female-inspired and has thus created an unstoppable chain of women empowering women. Five dollars of every sale goes toward nurturing and supporting some of the most vulnerable, marginalized communities in the world and help fund partnership projects with U.N. Women, Akilah Institute for Women and Plan International. The United Nations General Assembly created U.N. Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women in 2010, accelerating the organization’s…