Actor and singer Jencarlos Canela shares how his Cuban-American roots fuel his artistry and drive community impact.
You’ve worn many hats: actor, musician, and now entrepreneur. What drives you to keep evolving in your career?
My mindset! I want to surprise and push myself in every stage of my life.
What role has your Cuban-American heritage played in the stories you choose to tell, whether through music or acting?
It plays a role in every aspect of my life — the gratitude I live with, the fight in me when things get tough, and not taking the simple things like freedom of speech for granted. Any story that unveils the harsh truth and strong-willed spirit of my Cuban people, I am interested in being a part of.
How do you balance being a public figure with staying grounded in your community and values?
I just live as a human first, artist second.
What do you think still needs to change in Hollywood when it comes to how Latinos are portrayed, and what role do you want to play in that change?
I’m not sure what needs to change in Hollywood, but I see what changed in Atlanta, and I’ve seen what changed in Puerto Rico with the film industry, and I’ve been seeing what’s been happening in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Spain for a long time. If you want an authentic English breakfast, are you going to beg your local restaurant to make it and then get upset when they don’t do it right, or just go to London for it? You can’t ask an apple tree for lemons. I’m just going to focus on telling the stories I’m passionate about and not creating with a co-dependency on what Hollywood accepts or not. There are so many different ways to access consumers and distribute, as well. Tell stories that matter, let’s fall in love with the process again, and embrace the ups and downs that come with it. Let’s be dedicated to making art for impact, not just transactional.
You’ve recently stepped into real estate and community development with the Amelia District project. What inspired you to focus on this space?
It’s my hometown, and I always wanted to come back to the place where it all started.
Homeownership is a major milestone for many Hispanic families. Why do you think it’s so important to empower Latino communities through housing?
Empowering Latino communities through housing is important because homeownership provides long-term economic stability, generational wealth-building, and a stronger sense of belonging. For many Hispanic families, owning a home is a symbol of achievement, security, and a legacy for their children.
Housing also helps anchor families in communities. It allows them to invest in local schools and businesses. When Latino families have access to fair housing opportunities, it promotes equity and uplifts entire neighborhoods. Supporting Latino homeownership is not just about property; it’s about creating the conditions for families to thrive and contribute fully to society.
What do you see as the biggest barrier to homeownership for Hispanic families, and how does your project aim to change that?
One of the biggest barriers is limited access to affordable financing and cultural guidance throughout the homebuying process. Many face challenges like language barriers, lack of generational wealth, or poor credit history. Also, there is a lot of misinformation around or distrust in financial institutions. They also receive low wages despite high employment rates. These issues can make the path to homeownership confusing, intimidating, or feel out of reach, even for families who are financially ready.
Our project is helping by providing bilingual homebuyer education and financial literacy programs that make the process easier to understand. Our team doesn’t just understand the Hispanic community; they are part of it. We have partners and real estate professionals who understand and reflect the communities they serve.
We advocate for assistance and programs tailored to first-time buyers. We also make our communities affordable and resourceful — one-stop shops. Everything you need is within walking distance. At its core, our project is about creating pathways, not obstacles, to homeownership, and ensuring that Latino families have the tools, support, and opportunities to build lasting roots in the communities they call home.
When you think about your legacy, how much of it is tied to the idea of creating space — not just in entertainment, but physical space — for your community?
I just want to be remembered as a good son, a good dad, a good friend, and a good, honest man — a creative who not just lived storytelling but used it with a purpose bigger than himself. I try to have a positive impact on as many people as I come across.
What advice would you give to young Latinos who want to invest in their communities, not just financially, but meaningfully?
Find a way! Do it! Don’t chase money; look for your worth! Make yourself valuable. Then, find ways to monetize that value. Then, reinvest that revenue into the space you feel most confident in, and if it can be in your community, then even better.
How do you decide what projects are worth your name and energy now that you’ve stepped beyond entertainment into impact work?
I’m still perfecting that skill. I just pay attention to the details and have learned not to leave anything to chance. Stand your ground, and if it feels forced or you don’t like the people you’re getting into business with or what you are doing, don’t be afraid to respectfully walk away.
