Gabriela Arana, M.A. ’18

Associate Director, Parent and Family Engagement

Gabriela Arana, M.A. ’18, Associate Director, Parent and Family Engagement

As associate director, parent and family engagement, Gabriela Arana’s portfolio includes building connections with parents of current students; developing programs to engage Golden Lions with the life of the university; finding ways to honor legacy families; helping to manage the LMU Alumni Association Board; and overseeing the team who manages regional alumni engagement and the Latino Alumni Association.

Arana brings over nine years of experience in higher education, most recently serving for two years as University Advancement’s associate director for alumni and family engagement. She came to this department from Student Affairs, where she oversaw programming designed to aid in the transition and retention of students. Prior to LMU, she worked in international student housing at Kaplan International and as a music teacher at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, CA.

Arana earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology/sociology from Whittier College and her M.A. in higher education administration from LMU. In her free time, she enjoys going to LA Dodgers games, running, or exploring fun things to do in Los Angeles. On weekends, you can find her slinging drinks at alumni-owned Five Point Five Brewery Co.