MODE: We know that fashion, modelling and acting have been an integral part of your life for a long time but you seem to have taken things to an even more exciting level with your new regular role in the TV show “Lord of the Skies” which is now on Netflix. How did your involvement in this show come about?

Athina: I always watched it and loved this so popular action TV series, one of the most famous Spanish speaking series ever shot, next to ¨La Reina Del Sur” with 500 episodes. When president of Telemundo International Studios and producer of the series, Marcos Santana, called me to let me know that they had decided to offer me an important surprise role in season 7 I was overwhelmed, more so when I learned that apart from filming for four months in Mexico, we would film in Greece (Mykonos, Athens) as well. Telemundo International Studios NBC was envisioning to expand the saga to other countries and give it even more of a real touch. To be part of this incredible cast and doing action stuff such as kick boxing, martial arts, dancing altogether, speaking Greek, English & some French as well, was the definition of a dream come true. Yes, now many friends & fans can watch it on Netflix USA.

MODE: In the new TV show you play the role of Greek born CIA agent “Athina” and take part in an international action fueled adventure. What preparations did you have to make in order to tackle this role?

Athina: The producer Marcos Santana and writer & creator Luis Zelkovics from Telemundo International Studios/NBC decided to leave my real name Athina, believing it was perfect for the role. Athina is Greek and an ex CIA agent who studied in Europe where she met the main cast actor Amado Leal, brother of Aurelio Casillas, played by Matias Novoa. Amado himself being an ex CIA agent as well finds himself taking over the drug business of his powerful brother and on who’s life the series was based. Aurelio Casillas is the big boss of the cartel de Juarez but now is in a coma so Amado takes over. So to play this role of “Athina” in this environment I really worked hard with trainer Derek Dozouglu from Martial arts school RD Camma and stunt Juan Bofill in Miami and then the great stunts in Mexico & Greece. Martial arts, shooting, kick boxing and Greek dancing was my day to day for months and I loved it.

MODE: How has your playing “Athina” in this new TV series affected your life and already busy schedules? Has it opened additional avenues of opportunity in acting that you might explore in the future

Athina: Absolutely. I think with this one I nailed it and it brought me not only more popularity, it also transformed me as an actress with a new voice now and also it is quite funny when people call you by your real name.

MODE: The world has changed dramatically over the past few months with travel restrictions and lockdowns across most major cities. What steps have you taken to keep yourself safe during this coronavirus pandemic?

Athina: Yes, our world is different now and to have super productions such as Lord of skies 7, where a crew of 50 went to film in Greece, will be difficult to repeat for now. We will see significant changes. As president Marcos Santana of Telemundo International Studios/NBC explained to me, there will be strict rules and instruction about working on a set, limit of people, camera guys with masks, fewer actors, more technology instead of people on set, food precautions, no kissing, temperature taking regularly and, and so on. It will be a huge challenge where we will have to reinvent many things. Everything will be affected and it will push us to be even more creative. Our Lifestyle has changed. I myself always loved to be fit & eat healthy and work with alternative therapists all the time. Never ever has it been more important than now to know how to have a strong immune system. I think we learned a lot these past few months and have to go on being informed. We have to be health practitioners, health gurus, and reporters all at once. Good hygiene, good vibes, taking care of yourself physically and emotionally, having the correct information about all, is vital now.

MODE: How do you manage to keep your creative plans going when you are on lockdown like everyone else?

Athina: From a young age martial arts taught me about discipline. It is so important for our children to teach them exercise, music and other activities. I start the day exercising now at home, I show some of my techniques in my Instagram account. Then I cook some healthy food to have the nutrients I want…and do many of the things I like which you can read in my blog www.athinadivina.com . I also enjoy my two Chihuahuas Roma & Juliette.

MODE: You have started using Instagram Live as a way to keep in contact with your fans. As someone who is very social and used to mingling with people in real life, what have you experienced as the benefits and drawbacks of using the social media platform?

Athina: Instagram Live has been a great tool for feeling connected with friends and fans. It brought us together and makes communicating so direct. I have done several and really love it, but of course I miss hugging my friends. I have been doing more castings now than ever due to the changes, and castings are made now at home with a phone and posted. We actors are used to staying home to study our lines. Also my philanthropic work for The Miami Symphony is now through Zoom & conference calls.

MODE: We note that MISO has unfortunately had to cancel many of its programs because of the lockdown due to the coronavirus. How has this impacted the work you and your team are doing to promote the orchestra and what are the plans going forward?

Athina: Yes, like all others, we had to cancel and go with the flow. We understood that many things had to be reinvented and not only in the classical world of music. Music is a powerful tool and helps people to get into a higher frequency which is so important. We have to go high, high with a new mind & become very conscious. The whole team got together with Telemundo and we created an amazing video called “The Come Back” with a beautiful uplifting message where all of the almost 90 musicians play together each in their home and my husband, the conductor Eduardo Marturet, leading them. It went viral all over the world. The message is “with love we can do anything!” We all need to work together and we need to change all the structures that no longer sustain us. The Miami Symphony has always reinvented itself and presented the most highly artistic performances. Fusions of rock, pop, fashion …there has never been a limit. We already have a beautiful way of coming back in October prepared for when the season starts. Follow @miamisymphony .

MODE: As soon as the coronavirus restrictions begin to ease we know you will be busy in your new acting role as “Athina” as well as your work with MISO. Can you tell us what other exciting plans you may have for the near future?

Athina: For now, I should say I do not know but I trust and I am positive the universe will bring us also good times. Let’s send out the highest vibration into our universe – Love, Love & Love.