About

Rhina Valentin

Nicknamed “La Reina del Barrio” Rhina 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. A recipient of The 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.

Rhina explains, “I was raised with the belief system that we treat each other as we want to be treated. The beauty of being born and raised in New York is that you get to experience different cultures in your upbringing. I liken this experience to the Caribbean dish sancocho. The beauty of sancocho is that it’s a slow-cooked dish which harmonizes distinct flavors and unique ingredients to become something irresistibly delicious. What’s better than that?”