Lauren Sánchez Knows She’s ‘Lucky’ to ‘Be Part of’ Billion-Dollar Charity That’s ‘Genuinely Making a Difference’ (Exclusive)

Lauren Sánchez is reflecting on her philanthropic work and making a difference in the world.

In this week’s issue of PEOPLE, Sánchez — who is also preparing for the upcoming release of her children’s book, The Fly Who Flew to Space  — opens up about the commitment to giving back she shares with fiancé Jeff Bezos.

“With the Bezos Earth Fund, we’re all about big ideas, Jeff kicked things off with a $10 billion commitment to tackle climate change, and as Vice Chair, I’m all in on that vision,” says Sánchez, 54. “We’re working on everything from conserving nature to rethinking how we produce food.”

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“I’m a big believer that we can innovate our way out of this crisis. Sure, some ideas might not pan out, but others will, and those could be game changers,” she adds. “My hope is that what we’re doing now will inspire others, today and in the future, to push the envelope and create the kind of technologies that’ll secure a sustainable planet for all of us.”

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The mom of three says that her philanthropy journey began when she was “just a kid.”

“My nana used to volunteer at a local hospital, and we’d bake banana bread together to hand out to the nurses and doctors. It’s such a simple thing, but it left a mark on me,” she says. “Philanthropy, to me, is about more than just giving, it’s about making a real, lasting impact that helps shape the world for future generations.”

Another meaningful experience has been her work with This Is About Humanity, an organization focused on raising awareness and providing support for families at the U.S.-Mexico border.

“Being there with my kids, meeting these incredible families, and just spending time together — it was so real and heartwarming,” says Sánchez, who shares 23-year-old son Nikko Gonzales with retired football player Tony Gonzales, and two teenage children, Evan and Ella, with her ex-husband, top Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell.

“We made meals, baked cupcakes, and handed out backpacks stuffed with games and essentials,” she adds. “The smiles on those kids’ faces — I still think about them.”

The Emmy award-winning journalist also says it’s “super emotional” to “see the impact that the Courage and Civility Award is having.”

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“Each year, we get to give $100 million to people who are out there making a difference with such grace and bravery,” she adds, noting that past recipients have included “incredible” people, like Van Jones, José Andrés, Dolly Parton, Eva Longoria, and Admiral Bill McRaven.

“Seeing how they’re changing lives is just… wow,” she says. “It’s a reminder of how lucky I am to be part of something that’s genuinely making a difference.”