Shakira's philanthropy is getting her noticed in the very highest circles. On Monday the most powerful man in the world, U.S. President Barack Obama, made time for her in his busy schedule.
The Barranquilla-born star visited the White House to meet representatives of the National Security Council and the Domestic Policy Council, and was able to drop in on the president for a brief private meeting, according to the Associated Press.
The famous pair discussed U.S. policy towards children and education, and Shakira updated the president on her charitable work in the field.
Obama is no stranger to Shakira's charms, as she performed at his inauguration last year.
The news of the meeting was not officially announced by the White House, but was leaked to the press by an aide.
The "Hips Don't Lie" singer also attended the World Bank headquarters in Washington today to launch a $300 million initiative to expand the institution's programs for children in Latin America, called "The Early Childhood Initiative: An Investment for Life."
Shakira is certainly being taken seriously, speaking at the Oxford University Union debating society in December, and addressing the 19th Ibero-American summit in Portugal. A school she established in Colombia was visited by former U.S. President Bill Clinton last year, and he later donated $2 million to help the school.
Shakira has been a UNICEF ambassador since 2003, and is the founder of the International Barefoot Foundation, and the ALAS Foundation for Latin America.
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