“Qué Pasa NJ?,” a 30-minute show on public television that showcases the achievements of the Hispanic community, won three Telly Awards.
The show, which is hosted and produced by Carlos Medina — the CEO and president of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey — is filmed in New Jersey. It just completed its second season.
The show was honored in three national television categories: D&I, Cultural and Public Interest/Awareness.
Medina said he started the show to fill a gap in television programming, which he says lacks positive representation and success stories of Latin Americans — including Hispanic business leaders.
Medina also serves as president of Robinson Aerial, a mapping and engineering consulting firm in Hackettstown.
“The Hispanic community is a thriving economic bloc and market — in New Jersey alone, (it) contributes an annual $20 billion to the state economy and $1.5 trillion in the United States,” he said. “We share the authentic stories of ‘Nosotros,’ to amplify inspirational messages and our societal accomplishments to broader audiences in the tri-state area, with an emphasis on New Jersey.”
Recent episodes’ themes include “Hispanic Role Models,” featuring state Sen. Nellie Pou (D-Paterson) and CEO Lili Gil Valletta of Cien Plus; “The American Dream,” featuring CEO Carlos Vega of Jersey Italian Gravy and owner Monica Martinez Milan of Stumpy’s Greenbrook; and “Power and Grace,” featuring actor Berto Colon of the Starz show “Power.”
The first season launched with episodes that included U.S. Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.), Broadway executive Luis Miranda Jr. and actress/activist Denise Quinones.
Medina said he hopes to bring “Qué Pasa NJ?” to a national audience.
The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens. They are judged by the Telly Awards Judging Council, a group of leading video and television experts from prestigious companies in entertainment, publishing, advertising and emerging technology, and representing companies, including WarnerMedia, NBC News, Framestore NY and Vimeo.
