Every July 5th for the past several years, Philadelphia has also celebrated Venezuela’s Independence Day, a moment to honor the fighting spirit of those who, like Harianned Chaurel, have managed to rebuild their lives far from home.

More than just a migrant, Harianned is now a leader, a public servant, and a community advocate in Philadelphia. When she first arrived in the city center, she came with dreams and uncertainty; years later, she would return to the imposing City Hall as a city employee. Her story, recently featured in Charlas de Impacto, is deeply personal and also representative of the path taken by thousands who have been forced to migrate from Venezuela.

It is a story of uprooting, reinvention, and leadership, showing that even amid uncertainty, it is possible to plant the seeds of a prosperous future.

A journey without a map, but with purpose

Harianned arrived in the United States in 2017, shortly after one of Venezuela’s most intense waves of protests. She left behind her home, family, and a career in journalism and event production in search of safety and stability.

Her first stop was Kennett Square, a small town in southern Pennsylvania. However, from the moment she first visited Philadelphia, she knew her journey had to continue there.

“Philadelphia chose me,” she said. “The first time I saw City Hall, I felt an immediate connection. It wasn’t just a city, it was a place where I could start over.”

From migrant to public servant

With a degree in Social Communication from the Central University of Venezuela and fluency in English, Harianned began to engage with public life in the U.S. She initially worked in event planning with a local councilmember until, after changes in city administration, she joined the Office of the City Representative and Special Events in Philadelphia’s government.

Today, she serves as a specialist in events and communications, managing permits for public activities, coordinating festivals, and acting as a bridge between city institutions and Philadelphia’s diverse communities.

“I work for the entire city. The fact that I speak Spanish allows me to support those who face language barriers, but my responsibility goes far beyond that,” she explained.

Harianned has proven that the combination of technical expertise and cultural sensitivity is a powerful tool for effectively serving the community.

An Organization Born in Difficult Times

During the toughest months of lockdown in 2020, Harianned felt that institutional aid wasn’t enough, and that rebuilding community ties was just as essential. That’s when “Gente de Venezuela Philadelphia” was born, an organization founded alongside other migrants with the goal of reconnecting those living in exile amid the isolation.

Five years later, the collective has become an active platform for community gatherings, educational events, and mutual support. Throughout the year, they host cultural celebrations, informational talks on immigration, scholarship access workshops, and recreational activities to strengthen the social fabric.

“We realized that it doesn’t matter how much you have, you can always share something. And what you give multiplies,” she said.

The organization has also provided practical support –from warm clothing to temporary housing– and, more importantly, a sense of belonging.

Although the initiative began with a focus on Venezuelans, Gente de Venezuela Philadelphia has expanded its partnerships to include Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Central American groups. Today, it stands as a model of intercommunity collaboration.

“We’ve become soul connectors,” she stated. “Integration is the way forward. Only united can we build a strong and visible Latino community in the United States.”

Philadelphia, a city historically shaped by migrant diversity, now has a growing Latino population that makes up over 15% of its residents. Among them, Venezuelans have become increasingly present, although they still lack formal diplomatic representation and updated census data.

The city is preparing for a series of special events in 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. As part of the city’s event planning team, Harianned will play a key role in organizing and raising the visibility of these historic commemorations, with strong Latino community participation expected.

A Story of Hope and Direction

What Harianned has achieved in less than a decade reflects not only personal effort but a collective vision. She went from facing the initial struggles of migration to becoming a key Latina figure — both in public service and within the migrant community.

“We don’t start from nothing; we start from the experience, knowledge, and culture we bring with us,” she said.

From the offices of City Hall to the streets of South Philadelphia, Harianned hasn’t just found her place in the city — she’s helping to transform it. Her story stands as proof that with commitment and purpose, it is possible to rebuild from the roots what once seemed lost.