Petra Němcová

When Petra Němcová walked the runway for international brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Chopard, or La Perla, few could have imagined that her most powerful legacy would not be on a catwalk. Her story is touched by beauty, yes, but also by an emotional strength that prevailed even in the face of tragedy. From her childhood in Karviná to the international forums where she promotes school resilience, Petra’s passion has evolved: it began in fashion but found its true purpose in rebuilding lives.

A career that opened doors but did not stop there

Petra entered the modeling world at a young age. As a teenager, she was discovered by an agent who launched her onto the international scene. Her elegant features and natural charisma led her to work with the most prestigious fashion houses in the world, appear on the covers of Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire, and grace the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2003.

Modeling gave her visibility, resources, and access to a global network of contacts. But the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami changed her life forever. Petra was in Khao Lak, Thailand, when the disaster struck. She survived by clinging to a palm tree for more than eight hours, suffering multiple pelvic fractures, while her partner at the time, photographer Simon Atlee, lost his life. That event was more than a story of survival — it became the catalyst for her life’s mission.

Happy Hearts Fund: rebuilding hope

One year after the tsunami, Petra founded Happy Hearts Fund, an organization dedicated to rebuilding schools in areas affected by natural disasters. Her approach was clear from the outset: it is not enough to provide immediate aid — the future of children and entire communities must be secured through long-term investment.

From its creation in 2006 until its merger with All Hands Volunteers in 2017 — forming All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response — the foundation built more than 200 schools in 10 countries, benefiting over 100,000 children. Petra was not just the public face of the organization; she was on the ground, overseeing projects, speaking with teachers, students, and parents. Her involvement was total, from fundraising to program design.

Passion for sustainability: another vital focus

In recent years, Petra has deepened her activism in environmental and social sustainability. She has spoken at United Nations forums, worked with communities in Latin America and Asia, and promoted reconstruction models that incorporate environmental protection and the use of disaster-resilient materials.

She has also championed climate awareness from an educational perspective, striving to help younger generations understand that climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality, one that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable communities. In every public statement, Petra emphasizes the link between education, equity, and adaptability.

Personal life: between spirituality, motherhood, and discretion

Away from the cameras, Petra has kept a low profile in her personal life. She is married to Benjamin Larretche, a finance executive with a focus on impact investment. In 2019, she became a mother for the first time, sharing her experience of motherhood as a deeply spiritual and transformative journey.

A constant in her personal life has been her holistic approach. Petra has studied meditation, yoga, and conscious nutrition. She speaks of spirituality as an anchor after life-changing experiences — not as something to impose, but as wisdom she shares from her own healing and reconnection with purpose.

Beyond philanthropy: a global leader

Petra has been recognized for her humanitarian work by the UN, UNESCO, and other international organizations. She has spoken at the World Economic Forum, participated in the Global Education & Skills Forum, and plays an active role in campaigns for inclusive education and children’s rights.

What makes her leadership unique is that it was not built in an office, but from lived experience — from catastrophe, a broken body, survival, and the will to rebuild what was lost. Her story calls on others to look beyond suffering and see that it is possible to create something new from what remains.

A figure who inspires without imposing

Petra Němcová has achieved what many public figures never do: turning privilege into real impact. She has done so with a genuine voice, without succumbing to the trap of superficial exposure. Her commitment is not a personal brand but a daily practice reflected in both her activism and her way of living.

The shift from modeling to humanitarian action was not an opportunistic move, but a response to a formative experience. Today, Petra walks across very different stages — sometimes a conference hall, other times a remote village in Nepal or Haiti. In all of these spaces, the passion she brings is the same. And it is in that consistency that her legacy is built.