If you know the singer Shakira, you might have heard that her family is large and pretty interesting. Among her brothers and sisters, one sibling stands out in a completely different way: Lucy Mebarak. While Shakira tours the globe, Lucy is back home in Barranquilla, Colombia, quietly building a respected medical career. It’s a different type of spotlight, but it’s got its own story.
A Family That’s Part Colombian and Part Lebanese
Like Shakira, Lucy carries the Mebarak surname—a name that actually says a lot. The Mebaraks have roots in both Colombia and Lebanon, giving the family a mix of traditions, foods, even languages. William Mebarak Chadid, the siblings’ father, was born in New York to Lebanese immigrants before the family moved to Colombia. Their mother, Nidia Ripoll, comes from a line of native Colombians mixed with Spanish blood.
Growing up with that background meant big family gatherings overflowing with music, stories, and plates of Lebanese food right next to classic Colombian dishes. Some families split and drift as years go by, but the Mebarak-Ripoll clan mostly stayed close—even as their kids picked very different roads in life.
Lucy’s Life: No Stages, Just Surgery
While the world knows Shakira for her dance moves and chart-topping hits, Lucy went for something less public but just as demanding. She’s a neurosurgeon, the kind of doctor who deals with nerves, spines, and the human brain. That’s about as high-stakes as medicine gets.
Apparently, Lucy works in one of Barranquilla’s reputable clinics—a place that sometimes makes headlines for another reason, since fans and local reporters know a Mebarak works inside. Being a neurosurgeon means years of medical school, then training, then more training. A lot of people imagine that being related to a celebrity might open doors, but Lucy’s field isn’t one where shortcuts work.
Lucy sometimes talks about the pressure that comes with her job, but she keeps her approach practical. She’s known among her coworkers as careful, methodical, and “the opposite of a diva.” Colleagues say she’s got a wicked sense of humor, but in the operating room, she doesn’t let anything distract her.
The Spanish Years: Family Life in Barcelona
There’s a connection between Lucy’s medical career and Shakira’s music life, but it’s not always obvious. For a time, Lucy lived in Spain—not just for work, but to be near family. In 2013, she was spotted leaving the Teknon Hospital in Barcelona right after Shakira welcomed her first child. Back then, reporters weren’t looking for Lucy, but when they realized who she was, her presence became a small headline.
Being in Spain for that event wasn’t just about being supportive. For the Mebaraks, showing up for each other is part of the deal—whether it’s a wedding, a birth, or one of Shakira’s big international moves. Spain has a special place in the family’s history over the last decade, since Shakira spent a big chunk of her career based in Barcelona. Lucy made herself available, sometimes blending in quietly, sometimes spotted in paparazzi photos next to Shakira’s car.
Lucy’s time in Spain was temporary. She moved back to Colombia after a few years, returning to her practice in Barranquilla. But those visits underline how deep the family ties run.
Public Family Events: Lucy’s Place in the Crowd
Unlike her famous sister, Lucy doesn’t look for press coverage. Even so, she’s turned up at various Mebarak family events, and every so often, a camera finds her in the crowd. Family weddings, baptisms, and the occasional red-carpet event sometimes bring her into view. When Shakira had public milestones, Lucy was usually on hand.
People who know the family say Lucy and Shakira get along, but they’ve always been different types. Shakira is outwardly passionate and energized by crowds; Lucy is more straightforward, thriving in one-on-one moments and quieter gatherings.
Lucy is one of eight living siblings who share the Mebarak surname. The group has stayed in touch over the years. Some siblings have gone to live in the United States or Europe, but many remain in Colombia. Lucy is described as a “bridge”—someone who helps keep everyone in touch.
A Personal Life Kept Private
Some people wonder what it’s like having a celebrity as a sibling, but Lucy doesn’t really get into those details. She’s known for avoiding interviews about family drama or fame. At work, most patients know her as Dr. Mebarak, not Shakira’s sister.
Lucy’s approach to privacy is firm. She rarely talks to the press, and when she does, it’s about medical topics. Once or twice, a local TV crew has caught a quote from her outside the hospital, and she’s always steered the conversation to issues like health care access or advances in neurosurgery.
She does keep up with family news, of course. When big things happen—like Shakira’s breakups or legal stories from Spain—Lucy reportedly checks in but keeps her comments in the family group chat. She prefers to focus on her work and close-knit home life in Colombia.
Lucy’s Professional Accomplishments and Identity
People in Barranquilla say Lucy is well-respected among medical staff and patients alike. Neurosurgery is a difficult field, and there aren’t many women who reach high ranks in those specialties. Lucy has sometimes spoken at local medical conferences about women in science and medicine.
Her workday can be intense, with long hours and unpredictable emergencies. It’s a lifestyle that’s almost the opposite of Shakira’s tours and endless interviews. Where Shakira manages huge stadium shows, Lucy manages delicate surgeries and patient recoveries.
It doesn’t sound like Lucy ever felt second-best. Each sister just took the path that made sense to them. Family members talk about laughing over old stories when they get together, always careful to keep private details out of social media or the news. Both sisters agree on one thing: separation between family and public life is just healthier.
While Lucy stays away from the celebrity routines, she still finds herself discussed in online articles and fan blogs. Her name comes up whenever there’s a new story about the Mebarak family, especially if it has anything to do with Colombia, medical milestones, or family reunions.
Two Worlds, Shared History
It doesn’t take long to see how different Lucy Mebarak’s career is from Shakira’s—yet, they share some core experiences. Growing up in a multicultural home gave both sisters a sense of curiosity and flexibility. The difference is in how they chose to use those strengths.
Lucy’s story is actually pretty relatable for people who have a famous friend or sibling. You have your own career, your own wins and losses. Still, every so often, your life overlaps with theirs. For Lucy, that means jumping between busy hospital shifts and sending a supportive text before a concert.
Family members say Lucy is often the person who manages to keep everyone connected—organizing WhatsApp calls or get-togethers, making sure distant siblings feel looped in. Her medical training probably gives her that habit of checking in, making sure everyone’s okay.
Where Things Stand Now
Today, Lucy Mebarak is back in Barranquilla, practicing in one of the city’s clinics and seeing patients on a regular basis. She still makes time for family, though public appearances are rare. Lucy is not active on public social media, and you won’t find her giving lengthy interviews or posting about her daily routine.
If you’re curious about the kinds of stories and business profiles that feature people like Lucy—those who aren’t household names but make a real mark in their city—you might check out BizStreetMag. Magazines like these sometimes shine a light on professionals flying under the radar, even when they’re part of much larger, well-known families.
For readers in Colombia, Lucy is a familiar name in medical news and sometimes in the business press. She’s respected for building her own identity in the city where she grew up. At this point, Lucy rarely weighs in on celebrity issues—she’s got enough happening at work.
Followers of Shakira may only catch glimpses of Lucy during big family moments, like the birth of a niece or a wedding. The sisters still manage to keep their bond strong, even with the oceans and careers between them.
Overall, Lucy Mebarak’s story isn’t about chasing headlines or following a superstar sibling. For her, it’s always been about steady progress—helping patients, supporting family, and keeping a sense of home wherever she goes. She may be less in the spotlight, but that seems to suit her just fine.
Also Read:
