ValleyCentral celebrates International Women's Day

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As we honor the women in our lives and those who made history, ValleyCentral is joining in and recognizing our incredible women on screen and behind the scenes this International Women's Day.

Our anchors, reporters, producers, digital team and managers work together to lead, inform and positively impact the community.

There are days in the newsroom when they remind us that girls do run the world.

Sandra Sanchez

Sandra Sanchez is our South Texas Correspondent for Border Report, who covers issues that impact the Rio Grande Valley regarding the border and immigration.

She graduated from the American University in 1988 and has been in the field covering stories for three decades. Sandra has worked in D.C. Fort Myers, Florida, Austin Waco and now the Rio Grande Valley.

Sandra was part of the Border Tour in 2019, which won a National Murrow Award. She is also a recipient of the 2021 Texas Headliner's Award for her series on Remain in Mexico.

Not only is Sandra is superstar journalist but she is also a triathlete and loves to swim.

Additionally, Sandra starts her day walking her three dogs and she loves to spend time with her husband and three children.

Martha Ibarra

Martha Ibarra is our Executive Producer for CBS 4 and NBC 23. She oversees our evening newscasts and works closely with producers to provide the content and information that matters to our viewers.

Martha is a born and raised Rio Grande Valley native. She graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and has worked in the news industry for six years.

She loves to inform and educate the community on the important topics going around in the media. Being a Valley native brings a unique perspective to the newsroom and helps others understand how to connect to our viewers.

In the newsroom, Martha is known as a beaming light of energy that can bring a smile to people's faces. She enjoys socializing, finding humor in things and spending time with the best people.

Sydney Hernandez

Sydney Montana Hernandez is our evening news anchor for CBS 4 and has become a household name across the Rio Grande Valley.

She graduated from Texas A&M University Kingsville and is now pursuing her master's degree in Public Affairs at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

In her nine years in the news industry, Sydney has done exclusive interviews with political and public figures such as Governor Greg Abbot, former President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

During her free time, Sydney is a proud founder of Sydney's Soldiers, a non-profit organization that packs and ships care packages to U.S. Service members across the country and internationally.

She is also the CEO and President of The Sydney Hernandez Foundation, where she mentors aspiring journalists who want to work in the media industry.

Sydney also holds the title of Miss Texas International where she inspires young girls across the state with community efforts.

Additionally, she continues to serve her community as a member of the Edinburg Crime Stoppers, the Foster Angels of South Texas, the Javelina Alumni Association and the Starr County Fair Pageant.

Sydney also enjoys running marathons, playing with her rescue rabbit, Officer Hopps, and her rescue terriers.

Alejandra Yanez

Alejandra Yanez is ValleyCentral's Digital Content Manager, who oversees the largest news digital team in the Rio Grande Valley.

She was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and earned her bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in teaching at UTRGV. Alejandra is continuing her education by pursuing her master's degree in Literature and Cultural Studies.

Alejandra has a passion for informing her community.

During her time in ValleyCentral, she has worked with her team diligently day and night to bring reliable and informative news to the Rio Grande Valley.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time at South Padre Island and exploring locally-owned restaurants and businesses with her sister and friends.

Danielle Banda

Daniella Banda is our Lifestyle Host and Executive Producer of "Valley Por Vida" and has become a name in the news and media industry.

She earned her Master of Arts Graduate Degree in Conterpary Communication from Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore.

In her time in the industry, Danielle has worked as part of the crew in feature films such as "A Night in Old Mexico," the Emmy-winning documentary "Latino Americans," and the comedy special "Jeff Ross: Live by the Border Fence."

She has also interviewed celebrities such as Twilight actor, Jackson Rathbone, Fashion Icon Betsey Johnson, The Office actor Leslie David Baker, and Oscar-Winning Animated Feature Film “Coco” Actor Carlos Moreno Jr., among others.

Danielle has also hosted an episode of the internationally syndicated program “The United Hemispheres Travel Show,” that broadcasted through 560 United Airlines aircrafts daily for travelers across the globe.

There is no doubt Danielle has a phenomenal resume, interviews and time as cast and crew in films and shows.

She also has a background that includes several published books, print media, radio broadcasting, vlogging, social media, performing arts and film.

In the newsroom, Danielle is known for her charming charisma and bubbly personality that can bring smiles to people's faces.

ValleyCentral recognizes our incredible women who make an impact in our newsroom every day.

ValleyCentral wants to honor all the hard-working women within our community and wish you a Happy Women's Day.