A Long Island woman has dedicated her life to empowering others who faced a struggle similar to the one her family went through.

Helen Dorado Alessi's parents immigrated from Cuba and Puerto Rico so she knows how hard it can be. She is now the executive director of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association and helps other Latinos find their way.

"Our goal is to shine a beautiful light," Dorado Alessi says.

For Hispanic Heritage Month, the Long Beach Latino Civic Association is holding cultural programs and business workshops. They are planning a kite flying event titled "Soaring to New Heights."

Dorado Alessi says these programs aim to help people of Hispanic background integrate and become part of their system.

The Long Beach Latino Civic Association hopes that Hispanic Heritage Month will highlight the contributions Latinos make to the community.

"We are human - we are part of the human family," Dorado Alessi says. "When we do good, we all do good."