See Beyond – July 2019

July/August 2019 9

lead me. I was shown life-changing paths and had to em-
brace alternate avenues to find real joy. This kind of expe-
rience comes from within your creativity, alignment, and
exploration. You might even step into this magical place un-
aware, but once it presents itself, you can’t help but follow.
Sometimes, you don’t get to choose; destiny drags you there!

That’s exactly the magic I stepped into when I moved to
the Big Apple to pursue my theatre and music dream. After
a year of acting classes, temp jobs, auditions, and much
nightlife mayhem, I was broke. I needed help. Luckily,
I had friends and an always concerned father to call. So the
day before Thanksgiving, I found myself in a phonebooth,
staring at a vacant lot on the corner of 6th and 42nd with
only five dollars in my pocket.

I was determined not to fail. I was not going to go home
broke. Then, out of the blue, my dear friend Bruce Mullinix
offered me a wonderful job opportunity, which material-
ized after the holidays as a six-month assignment at Time
Inc. This angel led me to another one, Arlene Kraven. She
had the most beautiful long white hair and a positive up-
beat non-stop personality. I couldn’t help wondering, “Oh
man, what is she on?” The epitome of authenticity, Arlene
was high on life! This industry icon was ready to retire after
having worked at Time Inc her entire adult life. We became
friends and one day she said, “I see your Star.” I know now,
she recognized my soul.

I wanted to be on the stage, not in an office. But Arlene
would insist: “You can still pursue your creativity and have
insurance!” When this temp job ended, Arlene set up an
interview for me with HBO, a company Time Inc owned.
I worked there for eighteen years and then became Vice
President of Time Warner where I contributed to the de-
velopment of HBO Latino and put many other projects in
motion. This experience totally changed the trajectory of my
life. HBO helped me develop professionally, socially, per-

Kindergarten graduation recital, Havana, Cuba

With brother Jorge Kaba in Chicago, 1960’s

I’ve been blessed with more than my

share of angels, guiding me to places

where I belonged—even when I couldn’t

or wouldn’t initially recognize them.