Ariana Rodriguez
College Pathways Coordinator Ariana Rodriguez on how Hartnell has played an important role in shaping her future.
Ariana Rodriguez was recently appointed as Mayor-Pro Tem for the City of Greenfield.
Meet Ariana Rodriguez, our dedicated College Pathways Coordinator. Ariana was born in King City, and has resided in Greenfield her whole life. Being the 3rd generation on her maternal side to call this place home, Ariana's commitment to her community runs deep. Since 2004, Ariana has been an integral part of the Hartnell family, starting her journey at the King City Education Center.
Hartnell has profoundly influenced Ariana's personal and professional life. It allowed her to pursue higher education, inspiring her to pave the way for her children to follow their dreams as well. When Ariana began her journey with Hartnell College, she was expecting the birth of her daughter, Alina, who is now a thriving 2nd year student at Hartnell College. Alina also holds the position of President of the Associated Students of Hartnell College. Additionally, Ariana's oldest child Athena, a Boronda Scholar and former Captain of the Speech Team, successfully graduated from Hartnell College and is now pursuing her master's degree.
"This is why Hartnell has been such a vital part of our lives. It has enabled me to pursue my dreams and instill in my children the belief that they too can achieve greatness."
Ariana is the current College Pathways coordinator, serving in this role since 2019. The College Pathways team collaborates with over 20 traditional and alternative education sites in Monterey County. They provide support to more than 3,000 local seniors, facilitating their transition to Hartnell College after high school. Ariana also organizes Panther Prep Days, which now spans five sessions at four campuses over three days. During Panther Prep, students receive guidance in enrolling for their first semester of college before high school graduation.
When asked about her passion for working at Hartnell, Ariana illuminates her dedication to helping students navigate the college experience. Being a first-generation student, she fully understands the challenges and uncertainties that can arise. Ariana takes great pride in demystifying the college journey and guiding our students. Witnessing the impact of her support on individuals, entire families, and even extended social networks is incredibly rewarding. She has had the privilege of enrolling whole families over several years, from siblings and parents to aunts, uncles, cousins, and even grandparents. Through her tireless efforts, Ariana has witnessed firsthand how transforming one person's life can ripple out and positively influence an entire community. She believes this is the true essence and beauty of working at Hartnell.
Looking ahead, Ariana eagerly anticipates witnessing the remarkable accomplishments of our students. From chance encounters on campus where she learns about their academic progress and success in exams to the moments when they excitedly share news of their college acceptances or job offers, these experiences constantly remind Ariana of the purpose and impact of her work. They inspire her to continue dedicating herself to nurturing student success and transforming lives.
Outside of Hartnell College, Ariana holds a seat as a Greenfield City Councilmember for District 4. As you probably guessed, her journey in local government has been nothing short of inspiring. With a deep-rooted desire to positively impact her community, Ariana has taken on several roles while serving. Most recently, she accepted and was appointed as Mayor-Pro Tem. Ariana's dedication to her constituents is evident as she strives to advocate for their needs. Throughout her term, Ariana has actively undertaken key responsibilities on various boards, including the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG), the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST), and the South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority (SSVBA). Her appointment to these positions showcases her commitment to promoting progress and ensuring the well-being of the community she serves.
At Hartnell, we are incredibly fortunate to have Ariana on our team. Her outstanding commitment to our students and her community is second to none. She is a beacon of hope, clarity, and inspiration while promoting opportunities and empowering students to reach their full potential.
