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When you think "influencer," you probably think of travel pics, coffee flat lays, and caption wars over who has the best #OOTD. You don't usually think of disaster relief. But Delane Marie Pimentel, mononymously known as Delane, is not your typical influencer.
In the early hours of April 8, 2025, Santo Domingo's iconic Jet Set nightclub collapsed mid-performance, plunging close to 600 people (and an entire nation) into chaos and grief. Among the 232 confirmed deaths were public figures like celebrated merengue singer Rubby Pérez, politician Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martínez, and former MLB star Octavio Dotel. The tragedy shook the Dominican Republic to its core.
© AFP via Getty ImagesWhile most of us were glued to our screens, watching the horror unfold, Delane Marie, a 24-year-old YouTube show producer and lifestyle influencer, was gearing up to actually do something about it.
From Feed Goals to Field Goals
Delane's instincts kicked in fast. "The moment I heard about it, I knew I had to help," she said during her first interview for HOLA! USA. She didn't charge into the disaster zone immediately, though. Instead, she used her social media savvy to help coordinate aid from home first, keeping streets clear for emergency responders while gathering critical info about missing persons.
© Delane MarieBasically, while some influencers were still scheduling their posts, Delane was out here mobilizing a rescue ops command center from her phone.
Bringing Her Online Hustle to Real-Life Rescue
Once she hit the ground at Jet Set, Delane wasn't looking for photo ops. Armed with bottled water, food, and ice for exhausted volunteers, she went straight into logistics mode.
"I wasn't focused on maintaining an aesthetic feed," she said. "My priority was to help."
She linked up with other volunteers and organizations, such as Erick Gonzalez, Orianna Falla, Genesisse, Las Empanadas RD, and Mr. Grilled, bringing supplies and serious muscle to the recovery effort. One Instagram post about needing helmets and gloves? Boom! Supplies started rolling in like Amazon Prime on steroids.
© Delane MarieOrganizing Chaos Like a Boss
It wasn't glamorous. It wasn't planned. It was two girls, Delane and her bestie Milabe, hustling supplies and coordinating logistics while debris still littered the ground. As more people answered her social media SOS, chaos slowly turned into organized chaos, which is basically a miracle in a disaster zone.
"There were moments where it felt like it was never going to be enough," Delane admitted. "But the way people came together, it's something I'll never forget."
© AFP via Getty ImagesAn Influencer Reborn
This experience has completely reframed how Delane sees her role as a public figure. "It showed me the true power of social media beyond likes and follows," she said. "It's a real, living connection with people who want to help."
She's not just talking the talk either. Delane's plans include continuing her humanitarian efforts and possibly launching a refugee shelter. "I've always loved helping others. I believe that the energy and kindness we put out God returns it 10x better. As a teenager, I was a scout for a few years, which taught me how to handle these kinds of situations and help effectively. Currently, I work with several animal rescue foundations, and one of my dreams is to open a refugee shelter or organization in the future."
© Delane MarieWhy Influencers Should Care About More Than Just #AdLife
Delane believes influencers have a responsibility that goes way beyond sponsored skincare hauls. "In moments like this, platforms can be tools for survival," she said. "We can spread real-time updates, mobilize supplies, and help families find missing loved ones."
It's about influence with intention. About making noise for the right reasons. And according to Delane, it's about channeling that massive digital reach into something that actually matters.
Lessons We Can't Afford to Ignore
The Jet Set tragedy is more than a cautionary tale about failed infrastructure; it's a wake-up call about what leadership looks like in the 21st century. A leader doesn't always wear a suit and tie; sometimes, a true leader wears sneakers, hauling cases of water and live-streaming supply needs in real time.
© Delane MarieDelane is clear about what she wants next: Stricter building regulations, real accountability, and a community that knows it can and should rise to the occasion.
Because as she showed us that night, influence isn't about being seen. It's about seeing others and doing something about it.
