Neil Fuentes is both a professional chef and lover of theater. He once won a competition on Food Network that allowed him the opportunity to participate in food festivals around Connecticut to raise funds for causes like cancer. He has taught cooking for children at a public school and during the pandemic, he created an online cooking class for kids. Moreover, Fuentes owns New Haven Academy of Performing arts with his husband Billy DiCrosta in East Haven. He believes in their business because of the joy it brings the youth; this creative style of learning allows them to believe in themselves, break out of their shells, and “transform themselves into confident individuals.”