Hispanic Heritage Month is underway and News 12 continues to celebrate.

News 12’s Kristie Reeter talks with Assemblymember Nathalia Fernandez on what this time means to her.

"My heritage comes from Cuba and Colombia. My mother came here from Colombia when she was about 15 years old and my father came here from Cuba when he was 9 years old with his family,” said Fernandez.

She says they met in the Bronx and had a family, but made sure their kids knew their history, even visiting Colombia.

"I remember going as young as like 6 years old you know, to this cattle farm that again was like out there,” said Fernandez.

She says her heritage has even had an influence on her career in politics.

"The stories of my family do tie into what I fight for and to why I decided to be in this role and to help make the world a better place,” said Fernandez.

She says she is looking ahead to her political future.

"I think it is a responsibility on us to make sure we are in these rooms and that we are speaking for people and people like us. And it is the reason why I decided to run for Bronx borough president next year to make sure we are well represented,” said Fernandez.