It’s a Wrap with Hernández and Sires: A Season Fueled by Flavor, Art and Latino Leadership
Qué Pasa with Carlos Medina's 6th season closed out with two stories that embody the heart of the Latino experience: the rise of an entrepreneur who built his dream from a blackout and a public servant whose journey from Cuba to Congress continues to inspire generations. Juan Hernández and Mayor Albio Sires brought grit, flavor and history to a finale that reminded viewers why storytelling matters.
Born in a Blackout: The Story of Juan Hernández
The episode opened with Hernández, owner of Antojitos de Mi Tierra in Bergenfield, whose life began during a blackout in Colombia. This moment has become a symbolic thread in his story. He says he entered the world "by candlelight," and in many ways, he built his future the same way: step by step, guided by determination and the flavors of his mother's kitchen.
Blending Cultures, Building Flavor
Growing up between Colombia and New Jersey, Hernández learned early that food could unite both place and culture. In Colombia, meals invite conversation. In New Jersey, food often fits into a fast-moving life. Antojitos de Mi Tierra blends both worlds: authentic Colombian street food served with the warmth of home and the speed of U.S. life.
His culinary spark was ignited at the age of six, when his mother finally allowed him to cook after overhearing him repeat instructions she had given his sisters. His first dish, a pot of rice, was perfect. "I stayed in the kitchen after that. And that day changed everything," he said.
Grit, Grind and a Hot Dog Cart
Years of long restaurant shifts followed, giving him the skill and discipline he needed, even before he was aware of it. When COVID-19 cut his hours, he pulled an old hot dog cart out of his garage — his first week brought in $72. Within a month, he was earning more than he made on the job. Antojitos de Mi Tierra was born.
Today, Hernández is known statewide for winning New Jersey's Best Burger twice with a fully authentic Colombian recipe. A seasoned patty, caramelized onions, ham, cheese, bacon, potato sticks and three homemade sauces form a burger that refuses to compromise its roots.
"We never wanted to Americanize it," he said. "Every bite should take you back to Colombia."
Finding Familia in Entrepreneurship
Hernández credits the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey with helping him understand the concept of entrepreneurship. Through the Chamber's ETP and LETS programs, he learned permitting, marketing, networking and the mindset required to scale.
"The Chamber became familia, a place where you fall, get back up and keep moving," he said.
His dream now is to franchise Antojitos along both coasts, including a return to California, where he once lived and saw a need for Colombian cuisine.
Mayor Albio Sires: A Cuban American Legacy
The episode then turned to Mayor Albio Sires, whose life reflects the arc of the Cuban American story across New Jersey. Born in Bejucal, Cuba, Sires arrived in West New York in 1962. As one of only three Hispanic students at his school, he had no ESL program and no bilingual education, just the expectation that he would adapt immediately.
"They just threw you in and you had to survive," he recalled.
Grit on the Court, Strength in the Classroom
Basketball became his outlet and eventually a source of resilience. As one of the only Latino athletes on the court, he faced hostility from opposing teams but never backed down. "If you survive in Hudson County, you can survive anywhere," Sires said.
He returned to Memorial High School as one of its first Hispanic teachers. He coached for a decade, during a time when the local Cuban community was transforming Bergenline Avenue into a cultural hub. Today, nearly every Latin American country is represented in West New York, and the school district is more than 94 percent Latino.
Breaking Barriers in Trenton and Washington
Sires made New Jersey history as the first Hispanic Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, before serving 16 years in Congress and eventually returning home to serve as mayor. His leadership also helped shape the origins of the SHCCNJ in the 1980s, alongside Governor Tom Kean and Latino business leaders.
The Caballero Award – Celebrating a Lifetime of Leadership
While the honor was not part of the season finale, Sires' impact extended beyond the episode itself. His legacy was recognized again this month at the Barrymore Film Center during the New Jersey screening of Patria y Vida: The Power of Music. The documentary, presented by Latino Circuit TV, Modesto Educational Foundation – Qué Pasa TV, Spanglish Movies, and the SHCCNJ, follows six Black Cuban rappers who challenge the island's regime through art and lyrics. The event marked another example of how storytelling, culture, and activism intersect in Carlos Medina's work, both on and off the screen.
During the screening, Sires received the Caballero Award, presented as a lifetime achievement recognition for his courage, cultural pride and long-standing service to New Jersey's communities. The distinction reflects both his leadership and the immigrant story that shaped his path. For Medina, whose father was born in Cuba, the moment carried personal meaning. "This screening honors Cuba and celebrates the arts as a force for unity and truth," Medina said.
A Season That Began — and Ends — With Inspiration
As the finale closed, Medina thanked Sires for a mentorship that began decades ago when Sires appointed him to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority board — a pivotal step early in his career.
And so the finale, was a fitting bookend to a season that opened with Chef Alejandro Ferrer sharing the flavors that shaped his path, Isamar Batista-Avery discussing entrepreneurship and representation, and actor Berto Colón reflecting on identity and craft. Together, their stories built a season rooted in culture, ambition and community.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Stories, Growing the Reach
Season six ends with gratitude — and a clear direction. Qué Pasa will continue to tell the stories that shape New Jersey's Latino experience while expanding our YouTube presence to reach a wider audience and share even more voices that move our community forward.
It's a wrap — and the stories will continue as we expand our YouTube presence, reach new audiences and keep shining a light on the voices that move our community forward.