About Ariana

Ariana holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and Policy from the University of California, Riverside. She was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and grew up in Northern California, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Cum Laude, with distinction, from Sonoma State University. In 2019, Ariana received her Master of Arts in Education from Harvard University.

With over 13 years of experience in higher education, Ariana has served in various higher education roles. Her professional journey has been shaped by her own experiences navigating life and higher education in the U.S., which informs her commitment to creating inclusive and equitable opportunities for all students. Ariana has been recognized for her research and community contributions, receiving the Latinx Amplifier Award (2019), the 10,000 Degrees Changemakers Award (2022), the California College Personnel Association’s “Outstanding Graduate Student” Award (2023), and the UC Riverside’s School of Education’s “Dissertation of the Year” award (2025). She has also presented at national and regional conferences, including NASPA, COLEGAS, MALCS, AERA, on supporting undocumented, first-generation, and minoritized students.

Committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders, Ariana has guided numerous college and graduate students in their academic and professional journeys. Her work centers on social justice advocacy, access and retention for minoritized students, and advancing policies and practices that empower historically underserved communities. As an educational consultant, she continues to engage in initiatives that strengthen institutional capacity, equity-driven programs, and student success at Hispanic-Serving Institutions and emerging HSIs.