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Dear Houston Latino community,
AAnniversary
It is with great joy that I celebrate with you the first anniversary of Houston Latino Family Magazine. One year ago, this project was born with the mission of being a bridge of unity, inspiration, and resources for our Latino families. Today, thanks to your trust and support, we celebrate 12 months of shared stories, achievements, and growth.
In this special anniversary edition, we are honored to feature Cristal Ayala and Ingrid Barrera on our cover—two women who proudly and professionally represent Latino leadership in media.
We are also excited to launch a new chapter with the “Best of Houston Latino”. This recognition highlights the businesses, leaders, professionals, and families making a difference in our community. In this issue, we showcase many of the nominees, and in our upcoming November edition, we will present the winner selected as “Best of Houston Latino”—a distinction we hope to establish as a tradition to continue celebrating the very best of our people.
Thank you to all our readers, partners, and collaborators who have believed in this dream. This anniversary is not only a milestone for the magazine, but also a celebration of each of you who make Houston a place where Latino culture thrives with strength and pride.
Let’s keep growing together!
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re a reader, contributor, or partner, your presence and support help us continue building a publication that reflects the heart and strength of our community.
Crystal Ayala & Ingrid Barrera: Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Houston’s Latino Families
For the first time in Telemundo Houston’s history, two women sit side by side at the anchor desk—Crystal Ayala and Ingrid Barrera. More than news presenters, they represent resilience, empowerment, and the voice of a community that for too long was left without a mirror in mainstream media. Together, they embody what it means to lead with values, empathy, and determination.
Childhood Dreams that Shaped Their Paths
Both anchors discovered their passion at an early age.
Crystal, born in Puerto Rico, remembers watching the news while her mother cooked, even drawing pictures of herself with a microphone on TV. “From a young age, I was curious and studious,” she says. “I knew I wanted to communicate.”
Ingrid, born in Mexico, recalls afternoons with her grandparents, where family stories blended with the daily news. “I was the little girl reading the newspaper with my grandfather and narrating soccer games to my cousins,” she says with a smile. “Without knowing it, I was already cultivating the heart of a journalist.”
Values at the Core
Both women credit their families for instilling the values that sustain them today. Crystal highlights respect, empathy, responsibility, and humility. Ingrid points to her mother and grandmother as her greatest influences: “They taught me that being a woman is not a limitation, but a motivation.”
These values not only guided their careers but also ground them as mothers, wives, and members of Houston’s Latino community.
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Challenges that Became Strength
Their journeys have not been easy. As Latina journalists, both faced moments of doubt and discrimination. Crystal remembers being told her English wasn’t good enough, while Ingrid recalls times when she felt invisible. Yet both overcame these challenges the same way: by preparing harder, working longer, and believing in their worth even when others doubted them.
“Over time, I learned that true strength comes from within,” says Crystal.
“My culture is my superpower,” adds Ingrid.
Stories that Leave a Mark
Beyond awards and recognition, what moves them most are the people they serve.
Crystal will never forget covering Hurricane María in Puerto Rico while pregnant, uncertain if her own family had survived. “My duty was to remain calm on camera, even as my heart was breaking,” she recalls.
Ingrid remembers a mother hugging her after an interview, tears in her eyes, saying: “Thank you for telling our story with respect.” That moment defined her understanding of journalism: “It’s not only about informing, but also about dignifying.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Today, both anchors use their platforms to empower young Latinas who dream of following in their footsteps.
Crystal advises: “Education is key—earn your degree, connect with professionals, and don’t be afraid to start with internships. Every experience counts.”
Ingrid echoes with encouragement: “Never underestimate the power of your own voice. Even when others don’t believe in you—believe in yourself. Your story matters.”
Redefining Success
For both Crystal and Ingrid, success is not measured in trophies or titles, but in resilience and community impact.
“The true face of success is that of an immigrant mother who, against all odds, keeps moving forward for her children,” says Ingrid.
“Success is knowing that every story I tell helps someone make a decision with the right information,” Crystal adds.
A Historic Moment for Houston
As the first female anchor duo in Telemundo Houston, Crystal and Ingrid are not only breaking barriers but also creating space for future generations of Latinas in media. Their presence on screen sends a powerful message to families across Houston: Your voices matter. Your stories belong here.
For Houston Latino Family Magazine, their journey is more than a professional milestone—it’s a testament to the strength, values, and resilience of Latino families everywhere.
VVenezuelan Classic Quesillo
8-inch mold version – Serves about 20 portions
A traditional recipe with the special touch of Academia Imperio del Pastel – by José Mario Albornoz
Ingredients
• For the quesillo:
12 eggs
3 cans of sweetened condensed milk
2 cans of whole milk (same measure as the condensed milk)
Dark rum, to taste
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• For the caramel:
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Preparation
Caramel
1. Place the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook without stirring until it melts and turns amber in color.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix carefully.
4. Pour into the 8” mold and spread evenly across the base.
5. Let cool and solidify.
Quesillo mixture
1. In a blender or large bowl, combine all the quesillo ingredients.
2. Blend until smooth and homogeneous.
Baking
1. Pour the mixture over the caramel-coated mold.
2. Bake at 340 °F (170 °C) for 1 hour and 20 minutes, in a water bath.
Cooling and unmolding
1. Let cool at room temperature.
2. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours before unmolding.
By José Mario Albornoz · Chef Pastelero · Imperio del Pastel
BBrazilian-Style Picanha Steak
Ingredients:
For the picanha
Steak 3-4 lbs. sirloin top sirloin (Picanha)
1 tbsp. GOYA® Sea Salt, plus, to taste
1 tsp. GOYA® Ground Black Peppe
r½ cup GOYA® Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus spread
For the Brazilian Vinaigrette
2 cups finely chopped seedless plum tomatoes
1 cup finely chopped green pepper
1 cup finely chopped white onion
¼ cup GOYA White Vinegar
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley GOYA®
Sea Salt, GOYA® to taste
Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Side Dishes
1 15 oz. can GOYA® Black Bean Soup, plus, to taste
Preparation
1. Score the sirloin with a knife in an “X” shape. Cut sirloin lengthwise into 3 equal fillets. Season with salt and pepper on all sides. Form a semicircle with each fillet, making sure the fat layer remains on the outside. Thread the fillets onto a large metal skewer.
2. Heat grill or grill pan over high heat. Place the fillets on the hot, greased grates. Reduce heat to low and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and reach an internal temperature of 130°F if rare, or 150°F if very rare, about 15-20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Brazilian Vinaigrette: In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes, bell bell pepper, onion, olive oil, vinegar and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the sliced steak along with the vinaigrette and black bean soup.
If you have any questions, we are here to help you Call us at 716-526-6190, MON - FRI: 8AM to 8PM ET,SAT - SUN: 9AM to 5PM ET.
By Hannah Menslage
CCelebrating Fall in Katy, Richmond & West Houston: Family Fun with a Latino Flair
As the summer heat gives way to cooler evenings, families across Katy, Richmond, and West Houston begin looking for ways to enjoy the vibrant fall season. From lively cultural festivals to historic ranch tours and bustling neighborhood markets, September and October bring a wave of events
September and October mark Hispanic Heritage Month, and local organizations are rolling out colorful celebrations. Children’s Museum Houston (Sept. 18 – Oct. 2) is offering hands-on activities and shows, including folklórico dance, piñata crafts, and bilingual performances. Maria Lopez, a Katy mom, shares, “My kids love seeing the traditional dances and trying new foods. It’s a fun way for them to connect with our culture.”
The Harris County Precinct 4 Hispanic Heritage Festival (Oct. 14 at Bayland Community Center) brings together food trucks, dance, games, and country booths representing Latin America’s diversity. Festival organizer Javier Morales says, “We want families to celebrate heritage, enjoy music, and make memories together. It’s all about community.”
Fort Bend County Hispanic Heritage Festival also lights up Richmond with mariachi, folklórico, food, and kids’ activities. Downtown Houston’s Festival de la Salsa fills Discovery Green with live salsa bands, Latin cuisine, and dance. Carmen Rodriguez, a local dance instructor, notes, “We see generations dancing together here—grandparents teaching their grandchildren, families celebrating culture through movement.”
These events are more than entertainment—they are a celebration of identity and a chance for parents and grandparents to pass cultural traditions to the next generation.
Community Spirit in Katy & Cinco Ranch
The Katy Rice Harvest Festival in Historic Downtown Katy is a beloved tradition that blends history with modern fun. Local resident Ana Ramirez says, “It feels like the whole town comes together. My kids look forward to the parade every year.” LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch hosts weekend farmers markets where families can shop fresh produce, enjoy local crafts, and mingle with neighbors. In September, Katy welcomes the grand opening of The Dryer, a historic rice dryer transformed into a community hub with dining, shopping, music, and even a rideable train. Owner Miguel Santos shares, “We designed The Dryer to be a place for families to connect, explore local culture, and make memories together.”
Richmond & Fulshear: Tradition Meets Family Fun
Richmond and nearby Fulshear offer rich family experiences rooted in Texas history and small-town charm. George Ranch Historical Park lets families step back in time to explore life on a working ranch, complete with costumed interpreters, historic homes, and hands-on learning for children. Park educator Luis Alvarez says, “Kids love to see history come alive—they get to touch, feel, and learn while having fun.”
The Fort Bend Museum provides another chance to explore local history while enjoying a slower-paced family day. For those who love to shop local, Fulshear’s Pick-A-Dilly Market (Oct. 18) brings together more than 100 vendors, live music, and plenty of small-town charm. Fulshear resident Maria Hernandez adds, “It’s one of those events where you run into friends, grab a snack, and let the kids enjoy themselves safely.”
Wellness & Outdoor Family Time
Not every fall event has to be a festival. Families in West Houston, Katy, and Cinco Ranch can enjoy regular free outdoor classes such as Yoga on the Green or gentle Tai Chi sessions. Community leader Sofia Martinez says, “Parents tell us these sessions are a perfect way to unwind with their children after a busy week. It’s healthy, relaxing, and a family-friendly way to spend time outdoors.”
Houston Latino Family Magazine Quick Family Picks Mark your calendars for these family favorites:
· Sept. 18 – Oct. 2: Children’s Museum Houston – Hispanic Heritage Celebration
· Late September: Festival de la Salsa, Discovery Green (Downtown Houston)
· September: The Dryer Grand Opening – Historic Katy
· Early–Mid October: Katy Rice Harvest Festival – Historic Katy
· Oct. 14: Harris County Hispanic Heritage Festival – Bayland Community Center
· Oct. 18: Pick-A-Dilly Market – Fulshear
· October (weekly): Farmers Markets at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch and Grand Parkway
Final Thought
This fall, Latino families in Katy, Richmond, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, and West Houston can enjoy a season that blends heritage with community spirit. Whether you’re dancing salsa downtown, sampling local food at a festival, or simply browsing a Saturday farmers market, these months remind us that family and culture are best celebrated together.
By Hannah Menslage
H Hispanic Heritage Month: What Families Should Know and How to Celebrate in Katy
Every fall, from September 15 to October 15, families across the United States celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month—a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Latino communities. For families living in Katy, Richmond, Fulshear, and West Houston, this month offers a chance not only to celebrate tradition but also to connect with neighbors, schools, and the wider community.
So, what exactly is Hispanic Heritage Month, and how can families in the Katy area make the most of it?
Why September
15?
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 because it marks the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico follows with its celebration on September 16, and Chile joins on September 18. For Latino families in Katy, this history provides an opportunity to talk with children about their roots and the diverse nations that shape our shared culture.
Celebrating at Home
The celebration begins in our homes. Parents can bring Hispanic Heritage Month to life for their children through food, music, and storytelling. Cooking a traditional family recipe—like tamales, pupusas, or arroz con leche—gives kids a hands-on way to connect with their culture. Reading bilingual books, watching documentaries on Latino history, or even sketching a family tree are great ways to spark conversation. These moments remind children that being Latino is something to be proud of.
Family Tip: Dedicate one night each week during Hispanic Heritage Month to a cultural activity—like cooking a family recipe or sharing stories from grandparents.
Celebrating in Katy Schools
Katy ISD schools often honor Hispanic Heritage Month with classroom projects, dance performances, and assemblies. Many campuses welcome families to participate by sharing cultural traditions, food, or performances. Whether your child teaches classmates a traditional dance, presents on Latin American history, or reads a Spanish-language storybook, these experiences build confidence and cultural pride.
Family Tip: Ask your child’s teacher how you can help celebrate— bringing a small snack or sharing a story can make a big difference.
Community Celebrations Near Katy: One of the most memorable ways to celebrate is by joining community events. This year, families in Katy and the greater West Houston area have several excellent opportunities to enjoy music, cultural art, and family fun:
St. Faustina Catholic Church – Fulshear Known for its strong Spanish-language services and vibrant Latino congregation, St. Faustina offers family masses and cultural celebrations that embrace Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s a heartfelt way to connect faith and culture.
Viva Venezuela Festival – Southwest Equestrian Center A vibrant annual festival, drawing 12,000–15,000 people for food, folkloric dance, and music—a rich celebration of Venezuelan heritage.
Harris County Precinct 4 Hispanic Heritage Festival – Bayland Park, Houston (Late September) A free, family-friendly event featuring food trucks, mariachis, crafts, piñatas, and carnival games.
· Latin America in the Americas – Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston (Sept. 27, 2025) A stunning performance by the Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston featuring dance, music, and storytelling inspired by Latin America.
Family Tip: Make attending one local cultural event a tradition each year. These experiences stay with kids and help them feel proud of their heritage.
Passing Down Language and Traditions
Hispanic Heritage Month is also about building family identity. Parents and grandparents play a central role in passing down traditions, language, and values. Speaking Spanish at home, teaching salsa or mariachi rhythms, or making crafts from your own heritage—all help keep culture alive. These experiences show children that their heritage is beautiful and lasting, beyond just one month.
Family Tip: Use this month as the start of a year-round cultural tradition—like a monthly cooking night or storytelling evening with family.
Why It Matters
For Latino families in Katy, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t just about the food or music—it’s about teaching children that their identity is valuable. It’s about honoring tradition while embracing the opportunity to contribute to our community.
Because celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t just about looking back—it’s about inspiring tomorrow’s generation to carry our culture forward with joy and confidence.
TheBestof
