One of the state's highest-ranking Latino public officials spoke to News 12's Senior Political Reporter Tara Rosenblum for an exclusive conversation about his roots and next steps during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Robert Rodriguez is the president and CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), the agency responsible for billions in public construction.

Rodriguez’s story begins in East Harlem. He is the son of Puerto Rican parents who were lifelong public servants. His father was a former councilman, and his mother was a school administrator.

He says he learned from them that “nothing is possible without hard work and persistence.”

Politics wasn't always his plan. But he says that watching his former boss, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, jump from Wall Street to City Hall lit a fire.

“You're like, ‘If Mike can do it, because he believes he can make a difference throughout New York City. What does that mean for me personally?’” Rodriguez says.

Rodriguez went on to serve for over a decade in the New York state Assembly, fighting for affordable housing and the long-delayed Second Avenue subway. He later became New York's secretary of state and today heads DASNY, one of the most powerful state agencies, overseeing billions in public projects.

As one of the highest-ranking Latino officials in state government, he says the next chapter of New York politics depends on who's coming up behind him.

“One of the challenges has been identifying folks and helping usher them through to the right level of success,” Rodriguez says.

As he works to lift up the next generation of Latino leaders, Rodriguez’s own star continues to rise.

A new Westchester resident, he's now one of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s most trusted advisers. With no lieutenant governor pick yet, the buzz is building.

“I would be honored to be considered for that position. I currently serve at the pleasure of the governor today, so I certainly will continue to serve her in any way that she deems appropriate,” Rodriguez says.

Rodriguez says that for now, his mission is simple - to keep building for the communities that raised him.

To catch the rest of Tara's exclusive interview, tune in to a special edition of News 12’s Power and Politics this Sunday morning - only on News 12.