SHINING STAR

An Interview of Katrina Léonce

When and where were you born?

October 27, 1963, in San Diego, California.

Who was President of the United States when you were born?

John F. Kennedy.

What was the most significant world event during your childhood?

Although I was only 5, Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination was the first time I recall experiencing death. There was great sadness and anger that swept through my family, our community, and church; and I didn’t truly understand the anger until decades later.

Which invention from your lifetime are you most amazed by?

Social media and its impact on culture.

What is the biggest change you’ve seen in the world in your lifetime?

Cell phones in the 90’s were a game changer!

What public figure/celebrity has influenced you the most in your lifetime?

Oprah Winfrey.

What was your favorite food or candy as a child?

Red Hots candy.

What was your favorite hobby/pastime as a child?

I have always been an avid reader.

What was your first job? Babysitting.

What was your first car? A Volvo.

What was a popular/favorite song from when you were younger?

“ABC” by the Jackson 5, “Ring My Bell” by Anita Ward, “Shining Star” by Earth Wind and Fire, and “Superstition” by Steve Wonder.

What was your favorite movie as a child? “Jaws” was my favorite movie.

What’s the weirdest fad you remember from your childhood?

The “Jheri Curl” hair style. It was a drippy, greasy mess. :-)

What are you most proud of?

Being the best mom I could be, and my dedication to this important role has paid off, as my daughters are great mothers.

What’s the best advice you’ve gotten about aging?

Life is short, live your best life NOW!

How would others say you are defying your age? What’s the secret to defying what it means to be your age?

Following a plant-based and meat-free diet, drinking half my body weight in water daily, prayer and meditation, exercise, maintaining an active social life with a village of great friends, and keeping stress to a minimum.

What have you enjoyed most and least about aging?

Most: Each birthday prompts me to do a life evaluation and set sustainable goals for the coming year. I also create a monthly calendar reminder to check in on those goals to ensure I’m on track.

Least: The “list” of must-do items that come with each milestone. My current list includes a 30-minute morning walk, strength training, 7-9 hours of sleep, substituting liquor for an occasional glass of wine or a nonalcoholic beverage when being social, 50 SPF sunscreen even when I’m not at the beach, and challenging my brain with the Words with Friends puzzle game or something similar.

If you could go back to any age, what would it be? Why?

My twenties! I was excited about being a mother, hopeful about my future, and grateful that I was able to save and buy my first home as a single parent at 22. Lots of fun times with friends.

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self? What do you wish you’d known sooner?

Don’t worry, everything will all work out. Life will have lots of ups and downs, but the way you handle these challenges will make all the difference.

What other life advice would you pass along to women of any age?

Prioritize your self-care, enjoy life, and cherish moments with loved ones.