Interview: Mario Lopez with Ximena < Sidewalks Entertainment

Mario Lopez returns to “Sidewalks Entertainment,” and brings along Ximena, the 2025-2026 Boys & Girls Clubs National Youth of the Year. They discuss this year’s annual Phone Case Design Contest with Cox Mobile and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Mario Lopez with Ximena (2025)

SIDEWALKS host Lori Rosales welcomes back actor / TV personality Mario Lopez and introduces Ximena, the Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year. Together, they talk about their involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and discuss the second annual Phone Case Design Contest, which empowers Club teens to imagine “A World Within Reach: Future Icons.” Viewers can vote to help award two life-changing $25,000 scholarships and additional technology grants to these young designers.

For more information and how to vote: Cox Mobile (voting ends for the 2026 contest on February 28, 2026).

PLEASE NOTE: This online version of the interview is different than how it appeared on the TV episode with segments rearranged.

Ximena and Mario Lopez sitting in chairs and being interviewed.

Mini-Biographies:

Ximena is a first-generation Mexican-American from the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. After nine years as a member of the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, Ximena overcomes her lifelong shyness and language barriers to become a national advocate. For her efforts advocating for immigrant families and mental health resources before the U.S. Congress and her “Think, Learn, Create Change” initiative, she was named the 2025-2026 National Youth of the Year at a ceremony by actor Denzel Washington on September 18, 2025, in Los Angeles.

Born and raised in Chula Vista, California, Mario Lopez began his entertainment career at age 10 after being discovered by a talent agent at a dance recital. A versatile performer and former high school wrestler, he achieved breakout fame as popular jock A.C. Slater on the hit teen sitcom “Saved by the Bell.” Following his success as a teen icon, he transitioned into a hosting for major entertainment programs like “Extra” and currently “Access Hollywood,” while also competing as a finalist on “Dancing with the Stars.” Beyond hosting, his career spans Broadway performances, authorship of fitness and children’s books, and producing various television projects, including the 2020 “Saved by the Bell” revival.