[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING JOURNALIST CRISTINA SARALEGUI

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Cristina 
Saralegui, a distinguished journalist and talk show host committed to 
making a difference in her community. Cristina will be honored during 
afternoon ceremonies on March 22 by the communities of Union City, West 
New York, and Jersey City.
  Cristina's contributions to her family, profession and community are 
numerous. Born in Havana, Cuba, Cristina was destined to become a 
renowned public personality from an early age. She was raised in the 
image of her grandfather, Don Francisco Saralegui, known as ``The Paper 
Czar'' throughout Latin America for his prolific magazine publishing 
endeavors. In 1960 at the age of 12, Cristina left Cuba for Florida, 
where she later attended the University of Miami, majoring in mass 
communications and writing.
  Cristina's involvements in the field of journalism are diverse. While 
still in college, she participated in an internship with Vanidades, the 
No. 1 ranked women's magazine in Latin America. In 1979, Cristina's 
exceptional ability as a journalist led to her being named editor-in-
chief of Cosmopolitan En Espanol magazine, a position she held for 10 
years. In 1989, Cristina launched her own television program ``El Show 
de Cristina,'' which has become a No. 1 rated talk show viewed by over 
100 million people worldwide in 18 countries. Cristina also utilizes 
her talents by hosting a daily show on the radio called ``Cristina 
Opina''. Rounding out her successful mastery of the media is a monthly 
magazine Cristina La Revista through which Cristina endeavors to 
improve the lives of Hispanic-Americans and assists them in becoming 
more productive members of their communities.
  Cristina's legendary commitment to Hispanic-Americans has been long 
recognized. She was recognized by the Council on Women's issues as a 
``No-Nonsense American Woman'' for being a premier role model. The 
stipend received from this award was donated to the American Foundation 
for AIDS Research, where Cristina serves as a member of the National 
Council. Other citations received by our esteemed honoree include being 
named a ``Legendary Woman of Miami,'' and a ``Corporate Leader Award'' 
from the National Network of Hispanic Women.
  It is an honor to have such an outstanding and considerate individual 
visit my district. Cristina Saralegui exemplifies the tremendously 
positive influence one person can have on the lives of many. I am 
certain my colleagues will rise with me and honor this remarkable 
woman.

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