Rhina Valentin

Nicknamed “La Reina del Barrio” is a native New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent and a television host focused on lifting human-centered stories with an eye towards fostering empathy and community bridge-building. A beloved spokesperson for her community, she is making a mark in New York City’s entertainment industry for her unique approach to advocating for and celebrating diversity. 

Born in East Harlem, Rhina, a long-time community resident is widely known for her work since 2006 as the host of BronxNet’s OPEN Friday. Currently, she is being recognized by The Citizens Committee for NYC as a 2021 New Yorker For New York.  Also, a recipient of Color Magazines 2020 All-Inclusive Change Maker Award and a 25 Bronx Influential Women of 2015 Award, Rhina is the founder of La Reina del Barrio, Inc. A fervent practitioner of Transcendental Meditation, Rhina is an active supporter of the arts and believes that the underpinning of the economic health of a community requires support for small and local New York businesses. She also uses her platform to shine a light on pressing social issues such as domestic violence and holistic mental health needs. Presently, she is part of a fundraising initiative for S.T.E.A.M. educational children’s programs in Puerto Rico, Colombia, and West Africa.