Shimmering Star Spotlight: Kyndra Sanchez

Each month YAYOMG! selects a Shimmering Star to spotlight. Follow along as we shine a light on girls who represent kindness, positivity, empowerment, philanthropy, drive, and confidence. They’re sure to inspire you!

November is here, which means the holiday season has officially begun! For us, this time of year is all about spending time with family and friends, making memories, and re-living our favorite traditions. No one knows more about the importance of family and friends than The Baby-Sitters Club, which is why we knew we had to shine a light on one of the series newest stars, Kyndra Sanchez!

Kyndra has taken over the role of Dawn Schafer in Season 2, but don’t fret – she slips into the role effortlessly, bringing Dawn’s optimism, activism, and passion to life perfectly. This might be because Kyndra is actually a lot like Dawn IRL! She shares similar interests, equally amazing style, and Dawn’s endless enthusiasm for making the world a better place. She’s super excited to be playing such a strong and empowered character and is super proud to be a role model for young Latina girls to look up to.

Kyndra Sanches poses in front of a gray backdrop while wearing a pastel pink bucket hat and rhinestone floral tank — *(Photo Credit: Francis Hills)*

When she’s not on set with her BSC besties, Kyndra loves making music, creating art, collecting antiques, and staying active. She also gives back by working with organizations and causes she cares about and even puts on holiday concerts for senior citizens during the holidays. A total Shimmering Star in every sense of the word if you ask us!

Get to know Kyndra Sanchez as she dishes on joining the cast of The Baby-Sitters Club, spreading kindness, and the women who inspired her love of music!

Get to Know Kyndra Sanchez:

Photo from the set of The Baby-sitters Club featuring Malia Baker and Kyndra Sanchez in character as Mary-Anne and Dawn. They are taking a selfie, Malia is holding up a phone and Kyndra is posing with a peace sign — *(Photo Credit: Liane Hentscher/Netflix)*

Tell us a little bit about YOU!

KYNDRA SANCHEZ: I am a free spirit who loves to help people and the environment!

I have many talents such as playing the guitar and piano, singing, gymnastics and boxing! Some of the hobbies I enjoy doing in my free time are writing, sculpting (clay and more), painting, watching films (especially horror), reading, collecting antiques and jewelry, knitting, spending time in nature, journaling/scrapbooking, and so much more!

You’re taking over the role of Dawn Schafer for season 2 of The Baby-Sitters Club! What was it like joining this iconic cast and series?

KYNDRA: It was a dream come true! Getting to do what I love with people who are now some of my best friends is truly magical. And being a part of such an inclusive show is so special to me because when I was growing up, I didn’t have people who looked like me on screen that I could have looked up to. So, being a strong young Latina actress, I hope to be the person I never really had to look up to, and to be an inspiration to others.

Remember that anything you set your mind to is possible. Hard work pays off. Whoever’s reading this, I believe in you!

How do you relate to Dawn? Which BSC member are you most like IRL?

KYNDRA: I would definitely have to say I am very much like Dawn! Because like her, I use my voice to advocate for causes that are close to my heart. Every year, for the past six years, I’ve been raising donations for childhood cancer with the organization called Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

In my spare time, I like to volunteer to help clean up beaches near me and visit Senior Citizen Homes during the holidays to spread some cheer by performing with my guitar and voice! I also share a very similar style with Dawn. There were days on set where I would be wearing my regular clothes, and people would mistake them for Dawn’s wardrobe!

Kyndra Sanchez poses in front of a white backdrop while wearing a white button down shirt and a gray beret studded with pearls — *(Photo Credit: Francis Hills)*

Outside of acting, you’re also a gymnast and a musician! What can you share about this side of Kyndra?

KYNDRA: I am part of the high school varsity gymnastics team! When I was growing up I remember listening to my mom playing music from Celia Cruz, Selena Quintanilla, and Jennifer Lopez. Listening to them made me feel inspired to do the same. These passionate artists helped me build my passion for music.

I also love Jazz! One of my favorite artists is Etta James, and I enjoy performing her music in cabarets in NYC. I’m also currently working on writing my own music:)

How do you shine bright?

KYNDRA: I shine bright by being myself. The world would be boring if everyone was the same! Never change so people can like you, instead be yourself, and the RIGHT people will love you for YOU!

The women who inspire me are…

KYNDRA: Frida Kahlo. I adore how she isn’t afraid to step out of the box when it comes to beauty standards.

Photo from the set of The Baby-sitters Club featuring Kyndra Sanchez and Malia Baker in character as Dawn and Mary-Anne. Kyndra is reading Malia's palm. — *(Photo Credit: Liane Hentscher/Netflix)*

I am most passionate about…

KYNDRA: Spreading kindness. It is SO important to respect others no matter their background, skin color, ability, sexuality, and gender. Humanity would be so much more beautiful if we lessen the hate and spread more love and kindness all around. I also think it’s really important for people to express themselves freely.

I feel most confident when…

KYNDRA: I believe in myself. The core of self-belief is understanding that you – and only you – are the chauffeur of your own success.

My biggest dream is…

KYNDRA: To be in an action-adventure movie with one of my favourite actors Joaquin Phoenix, be in a horror movie, and also to be in a movie or series as a musician!