The unity of Hispanic heritage in America is a reality that contradicts all legends. On Sunday, March 22, the presence of Queen Sofía in Miami confirmed this close intercultural relationship in difficult times. At the residence of the Spanish Consul General in Miami, Belén Alfaro, a social event took place attended by influential personalities linked to the Hispanic-American world.
The mother of Felipe VI attended to sign a collaboration agreement between the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute and the International Studies Foundation. The former is a foundation based in New York presided over by Queen Sofía herself; the latter is an NGO that carries out educational solidarity projects worldwide. Both entities have agreed to fund scholarships for Latin American students from low-income backgrounds to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2026.
After the signing, a cocktail party hosted by the Queen took place where attendees had the opportunity to greet and speak with her. The most notable encounter was with Mike Bezos, Jeff Bezos' father.
"Mike Bezos and Doña Sofía chatted for a while, they had a conversation just the two of them. The cocktail was in the morning and then the Queen left because she had to catch a flight to Spain," one of the witnesses present told this supplement. The event was so private that there wasn't even any press coverage.
The reason for Mike Bezos' presence, whose real name is Miguel Bezos, is his Hispanic origin. The father of the Amazon founder was born in Cuba, and his family is of Spanish origin, specifically from Valladolid. Although he is not Jeff Bezos' biological father, as his biological father is Danish Theodore Jørgensen, when he left the family, it was Mike who adopted and raised him after marrying his mother, Jackie Bezos.
It was Miguel who provided the initial funding for his son to create Amazon. As a result, he is also a multimillionaire and, like his son, an influential philanthropist.
But Jeff Bezos' father was not the only familiar face present. Media personalities from Spain also attended the reception, such as Colate Vallejo-Nágera, who attended with his son, and Bruno Gómez-Acebo, son of Infanta Pilar. From the diplomatic and institutional sphere, the presence of the Spanish Consul General in Miami, Belén Alfaro; the president and CEO of the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute, Begoña Santos; former Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado, and the president of the International Studies Foundation, María Díaz de La Cebosa, stood out.
They were all there for a good cause, not only to promote aid and cooperation for those in need but also to strengthen relations between Spain, Latin America, and the United States.
In fact, this collaboration took place within the framework of the America&Spain250 initiative, which, as stated on its website, "highlights Spain's historical contribution to the history of the United States on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of its independence in 2026."
Both collaborating entities have strengthened their ties in a geopolitical situation that requires more unity than ever. In addition to showcasing their activities and services worldwide, which do not end with this scholarship agreement.
The Queen Sofía Spanish Institute, also known by its acronym, QSSI, is a foundation based in New York founded in 1954 by a group of American Hispanophiles to promote their nation's interest in the art, culture, and history of Spain. Formerly known as the Spanish Institute, it was renamed in 2003 to honor the Queen.
On the other hand, the International Studies Foundation is an NGO that manages and finances educational projects for people with low incomes. Its management depends on the private center CIS University, the American university in Madrid where two of the Queen's grandchildren, Froilán and Victoria Federica, were enrolled.