Piolin says Latinos should 'explain who we are, what we do for this country'

Giselle Fernandez's latest Big Shots video interview for Los Angeles magazine is with Eddie (Piolin) Sotelo. The L.A.-based Univision Radio personality talks about the state of the Latino population in Los Angeles and the U.S. and says "it takes time to share with the American people. We need to not just segregate ourselves and say, no I’m just going to be with my community, with the Hispanics and that’s it. No. We can’t do that. We have to go to the other side and explain to them who we are, what we do for this country and for our community."

A few other highlights from the conversation:

Piolin says the best way for Latinos to shine a light on their community is to “keep working hard. And be grateful. When somebody gives you an opportunity at work or at school, be grateful every day to that person.”

Piolin also discusses his decision to confront President Obama about the lack of immigration reform during the leader’s first term when he appeared as a guest on Piolin’s radio program. “I have a big responsibility,” says Piolin. “I had to be honest.”

He says L.A.’s city council can do more to engage the area’s Spanish-speaking population. Why? “Because it’s going to help the city. It’s going to help everybody in the community. [But] it’s not only their job. We need to do our part, too.”