¿Qué Pasa? with Carlos Medina returns with a new episode, taking our viewers on a journey through sport, entrepreneurship and diplomacy—showcasing how Latinos are igniting NJ's economic and cultural rise.

Episode 6 premieres 8/9 on PBS, opening at American Dream in East Rutherford, N.J., where nearly 500 business leaders gathered for the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ's 2nd countdown to the 2026 World Cup—a vibrant kickoff blending fútbol with business.

With NJ set to host eight World Cup matches—including the final at MetLife Stadium—the event doubles as a networking hub and a cultural milestone.

Tapping into that global energy, host Carlos sits down with renowned Italian sculptor Dante Mortet, whose Mano Artigiana project immortalizes soccer legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona in hand-cast bronze.

"True passion—that's what drives sports and fútbol. And when that same passion is channeled through art, you get something powerful. These are forces worth watching closely, because once they're set in motion, they speak louder than words," says Mortet.

Speaking in Spanish, Mortet reflects on his family's six-generation legacy of sacred sculpture and how it has evolved to honor athletes as modern icons. His insights on art, identity and tradition remind us of fútbol's greatest legacy isn't just on the field, but in the culture it inspires.

Then, Arturo Ortega, founder of La Fortaleza, a thriving chain of Mexican restaurants, shares his journey from Puebla to Cancún to the Garden State, blending culinary tradition with business savvy.

Even during the pandemic, his business expanded—opening new locations while others pulled back. He shares his passion for serving up Puebla's signature dishes, known for their bold flavor and authenticity.

"Do what you love," Ortega says. "And be ready. Opportunity comes when you least expect it."
In the final segment, Medina sits with Head Consul Mariana Díaz Negrete of the Mexican Consulate in New Brunswick, N.J. A career diplomat with over two decades of service, Díaz Negrete discusses her mission to expand access to resources for Mexican nationals—from legal protections and dual citizenship services to cultural programming.

She also highlights the growing influence of Mexican women entrepreneurs across the region—from restaurant owners to florists to jewelry designers.

“The resilience of Mexican women is inspiring,” she says. “They start from zero and thrive.”

With $11 billion in trade between Mexico and New Jersey—and Latinos contributing $100 billion annually to the state's GDP—the episode shines a spotlight on how culture, commerce and diplomacy are shaping the next chapter of NJ's growth.

Episode 6 is a testament to the spirit of Qué Pasa—amplifying Latino stories shaping the future of New Jersey and beyond.

Watch the full episode and exclusive content at pbs.org, or subscribe to the ¿Qué Pasa? YouTube channel.

For more on ¿Qué Pasa? with Carlos Medina, visit QuePasaTV.org.