a first-generation Latina from Minnesota who grew up bridging the gap for her Mexican immigrant family as the eldest daughter—a role that sparked her passion for organizing and amplifying working-class voices in democracy.

With over a decade of political experience, she has led change efforts at organizations like TakeAction Minnesota and mijente, including helping to secure paid sick leave in Minneapolis, leading campaigns to elect progressive leaders of color, and boosting Latino voter turnout nationwide.

While at Mijente, Arianna had the opportunity to see how innovative democratic models were transforming communities in Chile and Argentina. She watched as elected organizers and local leaders wove together media, culture, and cooperatives into their local governance, harnessing community strengths to boost civic participation and drive real political and economic change. They showed her that democracy is about creating a shared life together. Inspired by these experiences, Arianna launched the Movida Initiative—a new way to shape democracy that puts communities right at the center.

Arianna is currently a Visionary Leader Fellow at the University of Minnesota. She recently completed a research fellowship at Johns Hopkins University's P3 Lab.

Learn about Arianna’s story and the power of movidas here.