This weekend on “In Focus,” we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions of this diverse community across Upstate New York.

JoDee Kenney sat down with Syracuse Common Council Member At-Large Rita Paniagua to talk about her journey from Puerto Rico to Syracuse in 2003 and her commitment to serving the city ever since.

Paniagua became active as a volunteer with the Spanish Action League, becoming executive director, then served on the Syracuse Board of Education before running for a council seat. Paniagua also discussed plans to create Buena Vida CNY, a senior social club, to meet the needs of Syracuse’s older Hispanic population, many of whom suffer isolation due to a language barrier.

For newer Hispanic immigrants to Upstate cities, Paniagua encouraged them to become active in community centers to integrate into the community.

For more information, or to share suggestions for Buena Vida CNY, Council Member Paniagua encourages you to call (315) 427-2418 or email buenavidacny@gmail.com.

You can watch the full interview with Paniagua above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting Upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.