OPEN

On this episode, Brigette Brantley, Founder and CEO of Da People’s Assembly NYC, discusses the organization’s work and its upcoming 3rd Annual BronxGiving. Next, Ashley Lee, Owner of Cheveurier Hair Co., discusses her Bronx salon’s mission to redefine luxury hair care for Black women through personalized hair wellness, education, and a welcoming atmosphere. Then, Vanessa Joseph, Regional Director...

OPEN is BronxNet’s premier weekday magazine show, bringing you the heartbeat of the Bronx and beyond. Join hosts Dr. Bob Lee (Mondays), Daren Jaime (Wednesdays), and Rhina Valentin (Fridays) for an essential mix of local news, civic engagement, and world-class culture. From hard-hitting conversations with community leaders to exclusive performances by rising stars in arts and entertainment, OPEN i...

On this episode of OPEN Friday with Rhina Valentin, live nail artistry and entrepreneurial inspiration are featured in action through the founder and CEO of SylvieBaby Nail Studio, Sylvia Marsett, detailing her journey from Atlanta to the Bronx, while demonstrating her talent in real-time with an on-set nail demo. Next, the founder and CEO of the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival,...

On this episode, Leandro E. Rodriguez Ramos, Vice President of the Latino Commission on AIDS and Founder of OASIS Community Pride Center, discusses PrEP and HIV prevention. Next, Yossi Sheffi, Professor at MIT and author of Unsafe at MIT, discusses his book on the university’s response to antisemitism on campus. Then, Tara Donahue, Director of Blueprint Supported Education at Community Access, dis...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee is joined by Tiffany Salaberrios, Producer and Actress, Skylar Salaberrios, Actress, Writer, Director, and Producer, and Tyler Greenish Blau, Actor, Model and Writer, who speak about their journey in the entertainment industry and reflect on their starring roles in the new Tubi film, "Fettered". Taja Abitol, TV Personality and Founder of Taja Drip, and Nurse Jackie...

On this episode of OPEN Friday with Rhina Valentin, founder of Bronx-based fashion brand Coven x Coven, Khyre Lunar shows off hand-made alternative streetwear and accessories representing the still-prominent gothic scene in the Bronx. Then, Daisy’s Juice Bar & Café co-founders Valentin Cruz and Melvyn Pellerano talk about their fresh menus and mission to build a community business that brings...

On this episode, Dr. Arturo Brito, President and CEO of Children's Health Fund, discusses rising measles cases in New York, childhood vaccination recommendations, and efforts to expand access to pediatric care through community partnerships and mobile clinics. Next, Naydeen Rodriguez, Music Executive, and Ayanna Cole, Director of Social Impact Programs at Carnegie Hall, discuss The B-Side, a free...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee sits down with Marcie Auguiste-Hicks Glover, Executive Administrative Assistant for Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services CDC, Inc., who spotlights the organization's upcoming Community Impact Awards Gala, reflects on being a Gala honoree and discusses how they are helping Bronx residents achieve their home ownership goals. James Scott, Founder and CEO of Global Mixed...

On this episode of OPEN Friday with Rhina Valentin, Artistic Director at the Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education, Gail Heidel, accompanied by teaching artist María Luisa Portuondo present an overview of their latest gallery exhibition, 'What Makes Us, Us,’ dedicated to creative expression of the South Bronx youth. Next, award-winning filmmaker, producer, and founder of Grayscale Media, Aman...

On this episode, we revisit our conversation with Ray Lyles, Founder and CEO of Rose Noire Productions, to discuss Haus of Noire, an organization that empowers young people through fashion, the arts, and mental wellness programming. Then, Neiko Roman, Senior Family Advocate, and Shavonne Dawson, Psychiatric Social Worker at VNS Health, discuss the impact of bullying on children's mental health, ho...

On this episode of OPEN Friday with Rhina Valentin, Bronx Community Board 2 Special Events Chair and Coordinator, V. Taveras shares an inside look into the traditions of the upcoming 41st Annual Bronx Halloween Parade. Then, explore the power of raw vegan cooking with natural gourmet Chef Chandra Lee as she explains and demonstrates her holistic food philosophy and quick plant-based recipes you ca...

On this episode, Daniel Byers, writer and director, discusses his independent film, Dark Hollow. Then, poet and author Ricardo Nazario y Colón discusses his new collection Orfeito, and his experiences growing up between the South Bronx and Puerto Rico. Next, Laura Rhymer, Director of the Howie the Harp Advocacy Center at Community Access, and Jovanna Marc, a graduate of the program, discuss the ro...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee sits down with Lisa Ray, Founder and CEO of Angels Hearts for Hope Foundation, Inc., and Danielle Nosworthy, Secretary, Angels Hearts for Hope Foundation, Inc., who join the show to discuss how their organization is empowering people living with Multiple Sclerosis and preview their 3rd Annual M.S. Strong Sneaker Ball. Elaine M. Matos, FNP-BC, Division of Breast Surg...

On this episode of OPEN Friday with Rhina Valentin, professional filmmaker Glenn Robert Ford discusses some of his compelling short films and the powerful stories behind poetic creations. Then, founder of social activist group #100MenRising, Carlos Rosario, talks about his movement and how men across New York are showing up to address and end domestic violence in the city and beyond. Finally, the...

On this episode, Kim Pompey, Director of Corporate & Community Engagement at Volunteers of America-Greater New York, discusses Operation Backpack and this year’s record distribution of backpacks to children living in New York City’s shelter system. Then, Robin Kahan-Berman, Vice President of Occupational Therapy at Project Renewal, discusses how occupational therapy can help people experiencin...

On this episode of OPEN Friday with Rhina Valentin, award-winning playwright Carmen Rivera Tirado reflects on the 30th anniversary of "La Gringa" and the future of Latino theater. Then, Nuyorican Books founder and children’s author Samantha Garcia-Sherpa discusses empowering youth through heritage-based storytelling. Last, but not least, Blue Pearl Theatrics founder Janelle Alexandria discusses in...

On this episode of OPEN, Nikel B’nai Dixon, author and creator of Neo-Narrative, discusses storytelling, representation and creating books for young readers. Then, Marquis Anderson, founder and ecosystem builder of Groomed 4 Greatness Guild Inc., discusses barbering, mentorship and workforce development. Next, we revisit our conversation with DreamYard's team discussing their work supporting Bronx...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee sits down with Gladstone Johnson, Executive Director, Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services CDC, Inc. and Cristhian Campaña, Outreach Coordinator, Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services CDC, Inc. to highlight their upcoming gala. Amelda Josephine, Head Chef and Co-owner, The Grotto BK, and Amelda Ashley, Co-owner and Managing Director of The Grotto BK, share a taste of t...

On this episode of OPEN with Rhina Valentin, Executive Director of the Brides' March, Lethy Liriano, discusses the upcoming Annual Gladys Ricart & Victims of Domestic Violence Memorial Walk and their vital work supporting friends, families, survivors, and advocates across New York City. Then, award-winning actresses Diana Maria Riva and Lisa Vidal join to talk about co-founding Latinas Acting...

On this episode of OPEN, author, LaToya Thompson, discusses her memoirs and her journey from survival to healing. Then, Miguel Alvarez, Founder and Headmaster of PW School of Art, and Juliet Douglas, CEO of Venture House, discuss their partnership and the power of art and wellness. After, Habib Bangura, Managing Director of Program at Urban Assembly, discusses a recent report on the financial valu...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee is joined by Diane Cooper, RN, M.Ed., GNP, AGCM, Founder and Executive Director, Caregiver's Outreach, Inc. and Kristin Morris, MSW, LMSW, Chief Operating Officer, Caregivers Outreach: Youth Empowerment, discusses how their organization is supporting adults and youth who provide unpaid care to loved ones experiencing illness, disability, and mental health challenges...

On this episode of OPEN with Rhina Valentin, global beauty expert Stephanie Flor discusses building her brand and why beauty is rooted in tradition. Then, Fashion to the People Co-Founders Kyetra and Katana Williams share how they use vintage style for community connection and storytelling. Finally, poet and FORM NYC leader Darnnell Dorvil, also known by his stage name, Story Teller Gordon, reflec...

On this episode of OPEN, award-winning Japanese American Author, David Mura, discusses culture, identity, representation and the experiences explored in his new book, Exit, Miss Saigon. Then, Jonathan Baez, Psychotherapist at JCCA, explains how parents and students can recognize the difference between normal back-to-school nerves and anxiety that may require additional support. Next, fourth-year m...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee revisits his conversation with Willi Kitchen, Producer and Musician, who reflects on his journey in the music industry and shares his most recent project, "We Love America". Then, we look back at a recent sit-down with Aleila Barton, Published Author, Entrepreneur, and Community leader, who highlights the release of her first book, "Coloring Outside the Lines," and...

On this episode of OPEN Friday, host Rhina Valentin opens the show by acknowledging the 25th anniversary of September 11th, paying tribute to the lives lost that day and specifically honoring members of the Lehman College community who passed over to the other side during the tragedy. Then, Rhina welcomes founder Calixto Chinchilla, alongside filmmaker Ariana Marie Luque and director Rob Alicea, t...