Shakira's newest gig

Colombian born Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Shakira applauds during a charity event promoting primary education at the Cidade de Deus favela or shanty town in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday Sept. 30, 2011. Later in the evening Shakira will perform at the Rock in Rio music festival. Photo: AP / SA

Colombian pop star and philanthropist Shakira has been named to one of four seats on the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, an agency within the Department of Education that's charged with finding ways to strengthen educational opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

Shakira, a UNICEF goodwill ambassador since 2003, was selected because of her charitiable work with children's causes. The Grammy-winning singer made her first appearance as a commission member on Oct. 6.