Success is not just about fame or fortune – it’s about making a difference. Few people show that better than Natalia Denegri, an Argentine Italian entrepreneur, TV host, and philanthropist who turned her passion and determination into a platform for positive change.
Based in South Florida for over a decade, Denegri has built two thriving careers – one in media and one in business – while never losing sight of her mission to help others. She is the founder of Trinitus Productions, her award-winning film and television production company, and co-owner of Baires Grill, one of the most popular Argentine restaurant groups in the United States.
Her work has earned her 43 Suncoast Emmy Awards, recognition from the U.S. Congress and Capitol, and a place among People en Español’s “Most Powerful Latinas in the U.S.” and HOLA! USA’s “Latina Powerhouse 100”, as well as recognitions in Italy, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, among others and multiple international film festivals. Her productions often highlight real-life stories of courage, resistance and resilience, inspiring audiences around the world and giving voice to the voiceless.
“Success is not about what you achieve, but how much you can help others,” Denegri says. “Every project I take on – in media, business, or philanthropy – is about connecting with people and creating change.”
From Buenos Aires to Miami
Before moving to the U.S., Natalia had already found her purpose in using media to create social awareness. In Argentina, she collaborated with nonprofit organizations, therapy centers, and day homes dedicated to people with autism and cancer, helping raise visibility and resources for families in need. Her breakthrough came with the film El Pozo, where she played a leading role in a story that portrayed the daily struggles and triumphs of families raising children on the autism spectrum. The film received international acclaim for its emotional depth and authenticity, opening doors for Denegri to present it at universities and film festivals across the United States and other countries.
During that tour, she met Alan Hassenfeld, the late former CEO of Hasbro Toys and President of the Hassenfeld Family Foundation, who was deeply moved by her dedication to social causes and her belief that storytelling could inspire change. That encountersparked both a friendship and a shared vision that would later give life to Corazones Guerreros. When Denegri settled in Miami, she brought that vision to television, launching a show that began by telling stories of children with autism and their families and soon expanded into a platform celebrating resilience, kindness, and community support. Today, Corazones Guerreros airs on MegaTV and celebrates 10 years on air, partnering with NGOs and humanitarian organizations to support families across the U.S. and Latin America.
The show has won multiple Emmys and has become a cornerstone of her mission, which resonates with Hassenfeld’s motto: “to bring light where there is darkness and a smile where there are tears.”
Entrepreneurship with Heart
Beyond her work in media, Natalia Denegri is also a successful businesswoman and partner in Baires Grill, one of the leading Argentine restaurant groups in the United States. Together with Gustavo Abudiab, Martin Koenig, and their partners, she helped strengthen a shared vision that combines business growth with social responsibility – building a brand that not only celebrates Argentine culture but also gives back to the community.
This commitment to purpose-driven leadership has earned them national recognition. In 2025, Denegri and Koenig received the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold and Silver Medals) for their humanitarian work, and Natalia was invited to the Hispanic Business Roundtable at the White House, organized by Bienvenido Empresarios, where she met with Senator Rick Scott, the recently named U.S. Ambassadors Marc Lammela and Kimberly Gilfoyle, and other Hispanic entrepreneurs to discuss how ethical business practices can strengthen both the economy and the communities they serve.
She was also honored at the American Patriots Gala by We Fund the Blue and Make America Clean Again (MACA) for her philanthropic leadership and media impact.
From Media to Missions
Denegri’s humanitarian work has reached Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and La Guajira. Through her collaboration with the Hassenfeld Family Foundation, founded by Alan Hassenfeld, she has led large-scale aid missions bringing food, medicine, and hope to families in crisis.
In 2017, after Hurricane María, she coordinated flights carrying over 5 tons of supplies and volunteer doctors to Puerto Rico – a mission that inspired the Emmy-winning documentary Hope and earned recognition from the U.S. Congress.
Her missions have included support from Estefania Mönch, who helped ensure community impact under Hasbro Toys’ philanthropic global e orts, and featured collaborations with celebrities such as Adamari Lopez, Johnny Lozada, and renowned physicians Dr. Eddie Armas and Dr. Alberto Cotton.
Together with Alan Hassenfeld, Denegri received multiple honors for their shared humanitarian work, including the President’s Volunteer Service Award, the Key to the City of Miami, and several Emmy Awards recognizing their impact.
Success with Purpose
This week, Natalia received the U.S. Capitol Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring her dedication to humanitarian work and her lifelong commitment to turning compassion into action. For Denegri, however, that was only the beginning of a night full of emotion, as her daughter, Nicole, became the youngest person in U.S. history to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award, representing the next generation of that same mission. Denegri often says that her greatest achievement is seeing young people inspired to look around, notice who needs help, and take action.
Nicole’s award was accompanied by a special recognition from the City of Doral, and her segment “El Mundo de Nicole” on Corazones Guerreros continues to promote kindness and solidarity among children.
“Awards are beautiful, but the real prize is when compassion becomes contagious,” she says. “If our work inspires more children and families to help others, then we’ve truly made a difference.”
