Ariana is committed to advancing inclusive and community-focused storytelling that is created by, for, and about Latinos.
As Latino Community Foundation’s (LCF) Communications Director, Ariana oversees communication and marketing strategies for LCF’s programs, grantmaking opportunities, press, events, and more. Her work seeks to elevate and center the lives and experiences of Latinos in California, especially as they become changemakers in their own communities. She joined the team in 2021 as the Senior Communications Manager.
Prior to joining LCF, she served as the Deputy Director of Digital in the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom from 2019 to 2021, facilitating the conversation between the people of California and their government during times of unprecedented crisis and opportunity, including the COVID-19 pandemic, historic wildfire, and civil unrest. Managing the Governor’s Office social media channels, Ariana worked closely with senior staff in the Governor’s Office and throughout the administration to roll out nation-leading policies on climate change, economic justice, and equity, as well as coordinating crisis communications in times of emergency. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Ariana worked towards a more inclusive public awareness campaign by curating Latino-focused messaging, with Spanish-language PSAs, a partnership with Pero Like, and engagement with high-profile public figures.
Additionally, Ariana has worked for Steven Spielberg’s non-profit USC Shoah Foundation where she served as the Education Programs Coordinator, as well as Michael “Flea” Balzary’s Silverlake Conservatory of Music as an Administrative Assistant.
Ariana received a Master’s Degree in Cinema and Media Studies from the USC School of Cinematic Arts and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chicana and Chicano Studies with a minor in Latin American and Iberian Studies from UC Santa Barbara.
In her free time, she enjoys watching (and rewatching) movies and TV shows, exploring used bookstores in new cities, and spending time with her two dogs, April and Rubí.