Rhina Valentin, also known as “La Reina del Barrio,” is a television host who’s focus lies in building bridges between communities and fostering empathy by sharing human-centered stories of these themes. She has been recognized for her unique and creative approach to celebrating and advocating for diversity, allowing her to become a beloved spokesperson for her own community.
Rhina is a native New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent. She was born in East Harlem and is most widely known as the host of BronxNet’s OPEN Friday for which she worked since 2006.
She founded La Reina del Barrio, Inc. which is an independent media production company set to provide high quality entertainment, bridge communities, and be an advocate for diversity as well as Domestic Violence Awareness & Mental wellness in Urban Communities. Rhina believes foundation of the health of a community requires economic support for small and local businesses, especially in New York her home state. She is also an avid supporter of the arts. Currently, she is working with S.T.E.A.M. as part of a fund raising initiative for educational children’s programs in Puerto Rico, Colombia, and West Africa.
Rhina was also a recipient of The 2020 All Inclusive Change Maker Award and 25 Bronx Influential Women of 2015 award.
A high achieving and well-rounded role model, Rhina bases her accomplishments and disposition in her upbringing. While she was raised with the golden rule, treat others the way you want to be treated, she gives much credit to New York for the person she has become. New York offers one the ability to be exposed to much diversity through being exposed to different cultures and upbringings and as such, diversity and its celebration is one of her main focuses.
