Editor’s Note

I’d like to introduce you to someone you’ve seen on our pages, or heard on a podcast near you: Cristina Areu.

She’s a petite 9-year-old with huge dreams. And one of those dreams is to keep interviewing young and famous Latinx stars for advice, how-to tips, and pep talks. Lots of pep talks. She’s been doing it since she was 8 years old (last year) (pre-COVID) as CATALINA’s youngest journalist, who turned into the nation’s youngest podcaster.

Every week, you can find her interviewing stars from Disney, Netflix, Hulu, Marvel series; and singers, voiceover actors, writers, and film stars too for her podcast: “CATALINA Stars: Young and Famous with Cristina Areu.” Every star has great advice and inspiration and tips on how to dream big and go for it. They’ve taught her, as she says, to: “Never give up!” And she doesn’t. And neither should any of us.

I’ve seen, first-hand, what’s possible, if you really try. This fourth grader follows every young and famous star’s advice and ends up in interesting places. She’s been featured on national television, interviewing the adult interviewing her. She’s landed a spot as a voiceover actress for a new educational program for kids, after a star taught her how to memorize lines like a pro.

What’s next? Who knows? But I can’t wait. And, it doesn’t matter if you’re naughty or nice (this is a judgement-free zone), join the fun. For deets, just go to The “kid” (as some old-timers have https://www.patreon.com/catalinastars. called her) is on fire, and she has big dreams, big plans, and big projects in the works. Best part: you’re invited for all of it.

More good news: the holiday celebrations last way after Three Kings Day around here, thanks to Iza Montalvo (on page 7)!

Happy Holiday Issue!