NEW YORK, NY – May 23, 2025 – Colombian-American artist, attorney, and fashion designer Mónica Bachue received the distinguished Cotto Changemaker Award on Friday, May 16, 2025, during an emotional event hosted by the New York Operation Smile Alumni Board. The gathering took place at Bogart House in Brooklyn, with around 250 guests in attendance. The award, presented in collaboration with the prestigious Spanish porcelain brand Lladró, recognized Bachue’s deep impact and unwavering commitment to supporting individuals born with cleft lip and palate, primarily expressed through her powerful and moving artistic work.
The Cotto Changemaker Award honors individuals who dedicate their efforts to creating positive and meaningful change in the lives of others. In 2024, the recipient was Pritika Swarup, an international model who has worked with brands like Ralph Lauren and Fenty Beauty, founder of the innovative beauty company Prakti Beauty, and Global Ambassador for Operation Smile. She was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Harvard University. This year, Mónica Bachue was chosen for her visionary art, which stands as a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and advocacy for the global cleft community. Her artistic practice explores themes such as identity, resilience, and social perceptions of beauty—touching countless lives and strengthening self-esteem. The Leporinos Foundation, founded by Bachue, expands this mission through community engagement and support.
As part of the recognition, Bachue received the iconic “Fraternitas” sculpture by Lladró. This exquisite porcelain piece, which depicts two children joining hands to hold up the globe, symbolizes universal friendship, collaboration, and hope. A portion of sales from the Fraternitas sculpture benefits Operation Smile, the international medical charity providing free, safe surgeries to children and young adults from underserved communities born with cleft conditions. The Bogart House event also served to raise funds for Operation Smile, highlighting the enduring and valuable partnership between Lladró and this humanitarian organization.
“I feel incredibly honored to receive the Cotto Changemaker Award,” said Mónica Bachue. “My art has been my voice—a way to explore and express the complexities of identity and to connect with others on a deeply personal level. The Fraternitas sculpture is a beautiful embodiment of that mission, and I’m deeply grateful to Operation Smile for their dedication to this cause.”
The award was presented to Mónica Bachue by Lucy Cotto, a member of the Cotto family who inspired the award’s name. The Cotto family has a deeply personal connection to Operation Smile’s mission, as Lucy herself was born with a cleft palate and the family has long been generous supporters of the organization.
Speaking to Mónica and the audience, Laura Cotto shared heartfelt words: “The Cotto Changemaker Award is presented to those who exemplify exceptional leadership, like you, and honors those whose integrity, confidence, and courage have earned them global respect and recognition. We are delighted to honor you today, Mónica. Thank you for being such a dedicated inspiration to this cause.”
The evening at Bogart House brought together philanthropists, art lovers, and supporters of Operation Smile—all united in celebrating Mónica Bachue’s achievements and the collective effort to bring more smiles to children around the world.
About Mónica Bachue:
Mónica Bachue is a Colombian-American artist whose work is dedicated to transforming perceptions of beauty and identity. Through visual art, she explores resilience, vulnerability, and the human experience—challenging conventional norms and fostering dialogue. Her artistic vision led her to create the Leporinos Foundation, which deepens support for the cleft community through bonds of friendship. Bachue’s work stands as a testament to the power of creativity to drive social change and personal empowerment. Learn more at www.monicabachue.com.
About the Cotto Changemaker Award, Lladró, and Operation Smile:
The Cotto Changemaker Award, named in honor of the Cotto family’s invaluable support of Operation Smile, is presented alongside Lladró’s “Fraternitas” sculpture to individuals making significant contributions to humanitarian causes. Lladró, the renowned Spanish brand, is known for its highest-quality porcelain artistry. For over two decades, Lladró has partnered with Operation Smile—a global nonprofit specializing in cleft surgery and care. This partnership has helped fund thousands of life-changing surgeries for children worldwide. A portion of sales from select Lladró pieces, including Fraternitas, goes directly to Operation Smile.
