Sheyene Gerardi Is Not a Philanthropist! The Venezuelan star wants one thing clear: this isn't charity. It's a steadfast commitment to the inherent dignity of every human being.

Interview By Jessica Nussbaum

Oct 6, 2025

In a world of glittering galas and performative check-signing, Sheyene Gerardi is playing a different game entirely. When the topic of her foundation comes up, she doesn’t talk about "giving back" or "charity." She talks about solidarity.

““To understand the nature of my foundation, it is essential to understand the conviction that guides all my endeavors,” she states, her conviction clear and direct. “I don’t believe in charity; I believe in solidarity. Charity is perpendicular; it stares from the top down. Solidarity is horizontal; it’s about respect, unity, and mutual support.”

Her entire philosophy is rooted in a deep, specific understanding of human dignity. While many agree on its importance, Gerardi cuts through complex interpretations to focus on what she calls "ontological dignity"—the absolute, inherent worth of a person that exists beyond any circumstance.

“The intrinsic worth and the sacredness of human dignity demands respect in all human relationships, regardless of background or circumstances,” Sheyene says. “And it is precisely this point that informs our steadfast policy of never publishing images of individuals in vulnerable situations.”

This isn't just a talking point; it's the entire operational blueprint for the Sheyene Gerardi Foundation. If you’re looking to make a donation, you can’t. The foundation is personally funded through her family office and doesn’t accept a single dollar, fueled instead by strategic partnerships and joint efforts.

“Its legal structure exists for one reason only,” says Sheyene, “to serve as a necessary vehicle for partnerships with entities like NASA and the DoD, where a formal corporate entity is required for engagement. It is a means to an end, not the end itself.”

So, what does this "horizontal" solidarity look like in practice? It looks like launching NASA-themed robotics competitions internationally and creating food security programs during the COVID-19 lockdowns to keep struggling families from becoming homeless.

Her work is audacious and hands-on. A telemedicine program provides assistance to individuals with rare diseases worldwide, and just this month, a collaboration with a U.S. medical tech company resulted in a life-saving heart valve donation for a patient. Now, she’s proposing a collaboration with the U.S. Army to provide skills training to at-risk individuals, creating a talent pipeline for military service and a pathway to financial security.

The impact is global and deeply personal, but you won’t see it used for public acclaim.

“A review of my finances will confirm it,” she says with refreshing transparency. “None of the expenses for these initiatives are ever claimed as business expenses. This isn’t a tax strategy; it's a personal commitment that operates entirely outside the realms of financial gain or public ‘philanthropic’ recognition.”