We were lucky to catch up with Juan Pablo Santa Luna recently and have shared our conversation below.

Juan Pablo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

-In Diversity, Unity. A monumental project that celebrates the diverse Hispanic community and the unification with the American Society –

I’m really excited to be leading a new project here in Orlando that’s all about bringing our community together, especially my diverse Hispanic community. We’re putting together something special—a place where everyone can experience and share the best of what makes us unique, from art and technology to food and entertainment. It’s still a bit of a secret, but imagine walking into a space that feels like a celebration of who we are, complete with galleries, theaters, restaurants, shops, and a lot of technology that reflects our diversity.

This project isn’t just about having fun and learning—it’s also about creating a safe and welcoming space where all of Orlando’s communities can come together, find common ground, and feel part of something relevant. This place will be a cornerstone for mental health, providing a safe space where you can be yourself, share your story, and maybe discover something new about your neighbors.

With my background in business and philanthropy, I’m pouring my heart into ensuring this initiative lifts up our community. We are envisioning a vibrant place with opportunities to help people reach their potential. I can’t wait to see how this project helps make Orlando known for its unity, diversity, and spirit of innovation. In the end, it’s about people helping people.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

One of my greatest accomplishments is that I have woven my life’s journey through various paths before finding my true calling in the nexus of art, philanthropy, and community engagement. Born and raised in Colombia, I moved through the realms of international business and marketing, even taking my aspirations as far as Australia. However, it wasn’t until my relocation to the United States in 2013 that the second, more fulfilling phase of my career began to unfold. After nearly five years in corporate America, I felt a profound disconnect with my work. Deep down, I knew my passions lay in art and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. This realization led me to pivot entirely, leaving behind the corporate world to immerse myself in the arts, culture and community service.

My artistic journey is somewhat unconventional. With no formal training in art, my approach is characterized by a raw, intuitive exploration of materials and messages. I specialize in mixed media and upcycling, transforming everyday objects into pieces that speak volumes about societal issues and human connections. My work is more than just art; it’s a dialogue with the viewer, inviting them to ponder, reflect, and feel.

What sets me apart is not just the uniqueness of my art but my mission to use it as a tool for social change. I’ve dedicated myself to fostering unity and cultural appreciation within the diverse tapestry of Orlando’s community, particularly among the Hispanic population and broader American society. Through projects like the monumental cultural hub, I aim to bridge gaps, celebrate diversity, and inspire collective progress creating new sources of economic impact for all the communities involved.

I am most proud of my role as a Philanthropy and cultural ambassador for The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra as well as being the Hispanic Art Ambassador for Mills Gallery. I have also been honored to be named Orlando’s Community Unifier. These titles go beyond mere artistic or philanthropic endeavors; it’s about bringing people together to build something greater than the sum of its parts. My focus is on creating sustainable, impactful changes that not only elevate the arts but also enhance the quality of life for all involved

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In my journey across three different countries, embracing a new language and cultures has taught me resilience in its purest form. English was not just a set of words, but a new way of seeing the world, a rhythm to live by. With every culture I learned about, I found new strengths within myself—strengths I didn’t know I had.

My passion is to serve the communities that welcome me. I’ve always believed that leaving a place better than you found it is the most sincere form of gratitude. It’s about giving back, contributing, and enhancing the life around you. Whether it’s through launching community projects or simply lending a hand where it’s needed, I carry this mission with me across borders. It’s the resilience from my experiences that fuels my drive to help, to connect, and to make a lasting, positive impact wherever I go

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my transformation from a corporate mindset to one deeply embedded in the heart of community service has been profound. Volunteering with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra for over a year was a pivotal chapter in my life. Initially, I approached it with a self-centered attitude, viewing my participation as merely another accolade for my resume. However, as I learned more about the world of philanthropy and cultural enrichment, I began to see beyond the confines of my previous corporate lens. The turning point came when I witnessed the impact of our collective efforts on the community. The joy, the cultural enrichment, and the educational opportunities we provided were tangible. It dawned on me that success shouldn’t be measured by personal gain but by the positive influence we have on others.

Accepting the position of Philanthropy and Cultural Ambassador with The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra further cemented this realization. It taught me the value of selflessness and the profound satisfaction derived from contributing to the greater good. The lessons I’ve learned here contrast sharply with what my corporate background once emphasized. The truth is, fostering community growth and embracing a spirit of giving back are not just noble pursuits but essential ones.

This experience has reshaped my worldview. It’s not about what the community can do for me, but what I can do for the community. It’s a powerful lesson in humility and purpose, one that I’ll carry with me in All my future endeavors. I would like to thank Dr. Mary Palmer, President past of The OPO, as well as its current Executive Director, Karina Bharne for giving me the opportunity to both represent and enrich my Hispanic Community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mr.Santaluna
• Facebook: Juan Pablo Santa Luna

Image Credits
Photographer : Fabio Bahiense