Meet Ariana: Vivalon’s Dynamic Health & Wellness Program Administrator
Ariana brings a wealth of diverse experiences to her role as Health & Wellness Program Administrator at Vivalon. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she laid the foundation for her career with a degree in Business and Marketing.
In 2013, Ariana’s life took a turn when she became a military spouse and moved to the United States. Over the years, her journey has taken her across the country and beyond. She’s lived in Arizona, Texas, Florida, and even spent time in Bogotá, Colombia during the pandemic, but it was in Utah where she really found her passion for community health.
While in Utah, Ariana worked at the Weber-Morgan Health Department in Ogden, an experience that shaped her career path. However, her move to the Bay Area would come about in an unexpected way. After visiting the area on vacation, she returned to Utah and updated her resume before posting it on LinkedIn. Almost immediately, she was contacted by Vivalon.
Impressed by the opportunity, Ariana made a quick decision. By mid-August, she had relocated, and in August 2023, she started her new role at Vivalon.
Ariana has already made significant contributions at Vivalon. One of her first initiatives was the Cafecito social gathering. It’s designed for the Hispanic community to have coffee, share stories, meet new friends, and celebrate their culture together. The program has been a success, growing to include cultural foods brought by participants.
As the Health & Wellness Program Administrator, Ariana oversees a variety of programs including A Matter of Balance, Bingocize, Tai Chi, and Ballet Concepts for Strength and Balance. During her time, they’ve already conducted twelve A Matter of Balance classes and one Bingosize class with the help of fantastic volunteers and instructors.
Looking to the future, Ariana has ambitious plans. She envisions having more falls prevention classes, A Matter of Balance in Spanish, and Spanish digital literacy classes. She is also keen to survey our members to see which types of programs they would like to support their health and wellness.
Outside of work, Ariana lives in Point Richmond with her family. She has two children: Alana, 10, and Ignacio, 5, who is affectionately known as “Nacho” to everyone. The family also includes an adopted Goldendoodle named Kuma.
Ariana’s unique background and innovative approach make her a valuable asset to the Vivalon team. Her journey from Puerto Rico to the Bay Area, coupled with her passion for community health, brings a fresh perspective to Vivalon’s programs. As she continues to develop and expand the organization’s offerings, Ariana’s impact on the community is sure to grow.
We are fortunate to have Ariana on our programs team. Her dedication to improving health and wellness, combined with her ability to create inclusive community programs, promises an exciting future for Vivalon and the people it serves.
What do you enjoy most about working at Vivalon?
I love collaborating with others to create and develop programs, but what I enjoy the most is launching these programs for our community and being part of the joy and benefits they bring to their lives.
Who is your hero?
One of them is Eugenio María de Hostos. He was known as “The Great Citizen of the Americas,” he was a Puerto Rican educator, philosopher, and activist who dedicated his life to social justice and education reform. Hostos’s commitment to improving society through education and his tireless advocacy for human rights inspires me deeply. His belief in the power of education to transform lives and his relentless pursuit of equality resonate with my own values and drive me in my work. He exemplifies the impact one person can have in making a meaningful difference in the world.
How long have you been working at Vivalon?
Since August 29, 2023
What is your favorite movie as a child?
Matilda
What is your favorite family vacation?
My favorite family vacation was our winter trip to the Grand Canyon. We took the Polar Express train and spent a weekend at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. It was magical seeing the canyons lightly dusted with snow, especially during sunsets.
What makes you unique?
What makes me unique is my deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities, stemming from my upbringing in Puerto Rico. My experiences have shaped my commitment to empowering others, particularly within the BIPOC community. I strive to connect deeply with those around me, listening to their stories and experiences, which allows me to better serve and advocate for their needs. I’m dedicated to using my critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.
What are some random fun facts about you?
Growing up, I dreamed of becoming an Egyptologist! I spent countless hours researching, reading, and watching documentaries about ancient civilizations, with a particular fascination for Egypt. I love plants and started growing my plant collection when I moved to the Bay Area last summer. We now share our home with over 70 plants!
What is something you want to learn or wish you were better at?
I would love to learn more languages.
