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Operation Smile has transformed lives around the world by providing care to patients for more than 40 years.
- Cleft Explained Get the basics on cleft conditions.
- Surgery and Beyond Learn how cleft care is more than surgery.
- Real-Life Stories Read stories from our patients and volunteers.
Using AI to Help Create New Smiles and Rebuild Lives

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We are transforming communities through education, empowerment and collaboration.
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- Where We Work Explore the countries and regions we work in.
- Health Workforce Strengthening Read how we're educating health care providers.
- Youth Empowerment Read about our commitment to the next generation.
- Policy and Advocacy See how we work with governments to create change.
- Strategic Partners Explore our nonprofit and NGO partners.
- Thought Leadership Learn how we are at the forefront of our field.
Give children the chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems and social stigma.
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- Share Your Medical Expertise Become a medical volunteer.
- Student Programs Join our global community of students.
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- Partner With Us Become a corporate partner.
Since our founding in 1982, Operation Smile has believed that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.
- Our Story and Impact Explore our rich history and exciting future.
- Our Leadership Meet our leadership team.
- Corporate Partners Learn about our corporate partners.
- Financials and Reports Read our annual reports and financial statements.
- News and Media Read the latest news from us.
- Interactive Learning Center Visit us in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Careers Find a career that matches your passion.
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- Cleft Explained
- Surgery and Beyond
- Real-Life Stories
- Where We Work
- Health Workforce Strengthening
- Youth Empowerment
- Policy and Advocacy
- Strategic Partners
- Thought Leadership
- Ways to Give
- Share Your Medical Expertise
- Student Programs
- Advocate for Us
- Partner With Us
- Our Story and Impact
- Our Leadership
- Corporate Partners
- Financials and Reports
- News and Media
- Interactive Learning Center
- Careers

Benedetta Spinola

Vice President, Corporate Development and Partnerships, Europe

Joining Operation Smile in 2008, Benedetta Spinola has held multiple positions in the organization and currently serves as vice president of corporate development and partnerships, Europe. In this role, Spinola builds strategic alliances in order to grow Operation Smile’s programs in various countries, including recent expansions in Italy and Sweden. Under her leadership, the nonprofit expanded its partnerships with Johnson & Johnson, Stryker and others. In addition, she opened the partnership with Mindray, a Chinese multinational that produces medical equipment.

Born and raised in Italy, Spinola was a speaker at the International Fundraising Congress (IFC) The Netherlands in 2013, where she hosted a master class entitled “Beyond Basics: Advanced Direct-Response Strategic Planning and Integration for Non-Profits.”

Spinola graduated from the La Sapienza University of Rome, where she resides today.

Recent Stories

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Thought Leadership

Using AI to Help Create New Smiles and Rebuild Lives
The Innovative Leader Behind Operation Smile’s Medical Oversight and Safety
Speak Up, Work Hard, Never Give Up
Supporters

Beast Philanthropy Brings Operation Smile’s Good Works to Tens of Millions
Test Your Knowledge with Our Cleft Quiz
Thought Leadership

Meet the Doctor Mixing Data and AI to Help Expand Operation Smile’s Global Impact
Students

Meet George from Rwanda
Care Providers

Visit With a Surgical Volunteer in Mexico
Care Providers

From Medical Records Volunteer to Executive Director
Education

Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week
Care Providers

Through a Resident’s Eyes
Thought Leadership

Sharing Knowledge, Strengthening Health Systems

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You can give children a chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems, social stigma, isolation and feelings of hopelessness.

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