A POWERHOUSE IN MIAMI

By Rebeca Herrero

Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado looks out her balcony at the Four Seasons apartment she owns with her husband, Venezuelan businessman Juan Jose Delgado. The power couple call Miami their home after a move from Caracas, Venezuela about ten years ago. “Miami was one of our vacation destinations since childhood, so we decided eventually to move here since we were very familiar with the city,” reveals Gabriela. She also lives part time in Madrid. “Last year we spent five months there,” said the statuesque Gabriela, who holds degrees from Harvard University, Universidad Andres Bello in Venezuela and an MBA from New York University and London School of Economics.

The highly accomplished Gabriela keeps a low demeanor, but her busy office works year-round in the international business transactions that arises through complex negotiations that expands to 4 continents.

“Being a lawyer that specializes in these contract negotiations entails an exceedingly difficult and detailed analysis of the world’s trade in energy and new technologies related to energy. Therefore, I continuously have to study to keep up with new realities and developments,” confessed the Venezuelan philanthropists who also has taught academia in Venezuela.

“Nowadays we need to adapt due to the constant advances in technology and the energy transitions (the change from fossil hydrocarbons to clean energy), we need to adapt to continue servicing our clients, this is a reality we deal with and that we cannot ignore.”

This is a constant in her life, a routine in her household which she solidly tangles with her married life and partner in the office, her husband Juan Jose Delgado. The other side this power couple enjoys immensely is contributing her time and finances to causes that she is close to. Example given, she is part of the Executive Board at the Boys and Girls Club (became involved 10 years ago), as well as chaired past fundraising events Big Brothers Big Sisters of America which raised more than million dollars in March of 2020. Her commitment to help others, especially children, has always been the core of her kindness and giving. “I started as a young woman in Venezuela and have continued through all my life. Education has always been a part of my professional life, having had a great career enabled me to have a secure and stable life, why not give to others a sense of calm and relief. That is my mission.” family- my children and Jorge Luis. I don’t choose between my professional life and my personal family life, but that is a choice I have been privileged to be able to make.”

Describing Miami: “un ajiaco” like a stew-not a melting pot.

“For me it is a mixing of flavors, spices and exotic ingredients all while maintaining their original consistency and uniqueness. Miami philanthropy is also incredibly special. It is best known for its kindness to others, more on the one on one principal. People give to people and that is still very true in Miami. Miami is a young city with many immigrants and Hispanics. Many Hispanics mostly give to their place of worship-the Church and to their relatives back “home”; therefore philanthropy –giving to charities has been growing at a steady pace, but only for the past twenty to twenty-five years. Many organizations, such as Chapman Partnership, where I am a board member, is celebrating their 25 years. There is much hope for the next twenty-five years, as Hispanics are moving into this charitable space and donating, volunteering at the same pace as our Anglo neighbors. Miami and the Miami Charities will be positively impacted by this Hispanic kindness soon enough.”