As the Latino population continues to increase, what will be the impact on our state politically, educationally, economically, culturally, and socially? Who are the trailblazers who have led the way? Who are the up and coming voices in pursuit of the American dream that believe the demographic shift will benefit Washington state and the rest of the country?

And we hear the dreams of Jessica Esparza, a promising, but undocumented college student hoping that immigration reform will give her the opportunity to reach her goal of becoming a registered nurse and a citizen of the United States.

Victor Palencia is head of winemaking for J and S Crushing near the small community of Mattawa. How he earned the job at the young age of 28 and his journey from the vineyards as a farmworker to becoming one of the most prominent winemakers in Washington.

The Toppenish School District is now more than 80 percent Latino. Yet, it is defying the nation’s high Latino drop-out problem. How the district and its homegrown Latino Superintendent implemented STEM, science, technology, engineering and mathematics classes that have helped to boost the graduation rate to more than 92 percent.

Although the Latino population is increasing here, there is a dearth of Latino political representation. Is race a factor?

Political trailblazer Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney is profiled along with her journey from life as migrant worker to becoming one of only three Latinas to serve in Washington’s legislature.

In 1946, producer Enrique Cerna’s parents left Mexico for a new life in Washington state. Like many Mexican immigrants, they were looking for new opportunities and a better life for their children. Historian Erasmo Gamboa says they were part of the foundation of Washington’s Latino community that has contributed greatly to the state’s history and its economic growth.

The Northwest is square in the middle of a controversial global debate: Should the region build export terminals that would open lucrative markets for the world’s dirtiest fossil fuel at a time when the planet is facing a climate crisis? As the U.S. economy continues to struggle, can the country afford not to?