Who is Jovan Arriaga? The Untold story of Suzette Quintanilla’s son

In the world of Latin music, the Quintanilla family is a household name, largely due to the lasting legacy of the late Selena Quintanilla, the Queen of Tejano music. While much has been written about the Quintanilla family, not many people know about Jovan Arriaga, the son of Suzette Quintanilla and Bill Arriaga.

Unlike his famous family, Jovan has chosen a quieter path. He is not a singer, not a performer, and is rarely seen in the public eye. So, who is Jovan Arriaga, and what is his story? This article explores his life, education, career, family influence, and personal values.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Background

Who is Jovan Arriaga?

Jovan Arriaga was born on March 5, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA. He is the only child of Suzette Quintanilla, the former drummer of the iconic band Selena y Los Dinos, and Bill Arriaga, a private businessman.

Growing up in a family steeped in music history, Jovan was surrounded by stories of his late aunt, Selena Quintanilla, who tragically passed away in 1995 but remains an icon in Latin music.

Ethnic Background and Nationality

Jovan is of Mexican and Cherokee descent, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Quintanilla family. He holds American nationality and was raised in a Christian household, instilling values of faith, unity, and respect.

Family Legacy

The Quintanilla Music Legacy

Jovan’s mother, Suzette Quintanilla, was part of Selena y Los Dinos, playing the drums alongside her siblings, Selena and A.B. Quintanilla III. While Suzette stepped away from performing after Selena’s death, she remained active in preserving her sister’s legacy.

Suzette is now involved in managing the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi and works with Q-Productions, the family’s Latin music entertainment company founded by her father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr.

A Private Yet Influential Family Life

Despite the fame, Suzette and Bill raised Jovan away from the media spotlight. His upbringing focused more on education, humility, and independence rather than celebrity.

Education and Academic Pursuits

High School Achievements

Jovan attended high school in Corpus Christi, where he graduated with honors in May 2017. He was not only academically strong but also athletic, participating in baseball, which helped build his teamwork and discipline.

College: Texas A&M University

After high school, Jovan enrolled at Texas A&M University, majoring in Hydraulic Engineering. Choosing this technical and challenging field reflected his interest in science, infrastructure, and sustainability, rather than following in the musical footsteps of his family.

Professional Career

Career in Hydraulic Engineering

Jovan Arriaga currently works as a hydraulic engineer. His profession focuses on managing water systems, designing public infrastructure like flood control, drainage, and water treatment systems.

This career path shows his desire to contribute to society through impactful, real-world solutions instead of the entertainment industry.

Contributions to Community Welfare

Through his work, Jovan is involved in projects that improve community resilience, environmental protection, and urban development. He has made a mark by helping improve public infrastructure while keeping a low public profile.

Jovan Arriaga’s Net Worth

According to available sources like Married Biography, Jovan Arriaga has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2023. This wealth comes primarily from his engineering career and possible investments or family trusts.

Unlike many celebrity children who monetize fame, Jovan has built his finances through professional success and discipline.

Personal Life

Who is Jovan Arriaga Dating?

Jovan Arriaga has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith since late 2019. Mallory is a second-grade teacher from Corpus Christi and a graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi.

The couple keeps their relationship private, rarely appearing in public or on social media. Mallory currently teaches at the School of Science and Technology in Corpus Christi.

Private Lifestyle and Values

Jovan maintains a minimal online presence, with a private Instagram account. His lifestyle reflects a preference for authenticity and privacy, avoiding the pressures and attention of the entertainment world.

Social Media and Public Image

Low-Key Online Presence

In an age where celebrity culture is often fueled by social media, Jovan Arriaga has taken a different route. His online presence is almost invisible, signaling his desire to let his achievements and actions speak for themselves.

Known Appearances

He has occasionally appeared in family events and tributes related to Selena’s legacy, but he generally stays out of the limelight. Fans occasionally spot him in posts by family members, but he avoids media coverage.

Physical Appearance

• Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)

• Weight: 70 kilograms (154 lbs)

• Hair Color: Black

• Eye Color: Dark Brown

• Sexuality: Straight

Jovan Arriaga has inherited the striking looks of the Quintanilla family, often noted for his resemblance to his aunt, Selena.

Suzette Quintanilla: Jovan’s Mother

To understand Jovan better, it’s essential to look at Suzette Quintanilla’s impact. Born on June 29, 1967, Suzette was part of Selena y Los Dinos and later became the guardian of her sister’s legacy.

She married Bill Arriaga in 1993, and their story was depicted in the Netflix series “Selena: The Series,” where Suzette served as an executive producer.

Net Worth of Suzette Quintanilla

As of 2023, Suzette Quintanilla’s estimated net worth is $3 million, built through decades of work in music, business, and media.

Interesting Facts About Jovan Arriaga

• He is not active in music, despite the family legacy.

• Studied Hydraulic Engineering, showing interest in STEM fields.

• Maintains a private relationship with girlfriend Mallory Smith.

• Lives in Corpus Christi, the Quintanilla family’s longtime hometown.

• Known for being humble, grounded, and focused on his own goals.

Conclusion

Jovan Arriaga may be the son of a music legend, but he stands out for his individuality, ambition, and values. He represents a new chapter of the Quintanilla legacy, one built on engineering, community service, and personal integrity rather than celebrity.

While he may never take the stage like his aunt Selena, Jovan plays a crucial role in keeping the family grounded and evolving. His story is a reminder that legacy can be honored not just through fame but through quiet dedication, hard work, and a life lived with purpose.

FAQs About Jovan Arriaga

1. Who is Jovan Arriaga?

Jovan Arriaga is best known as the son of Suzette Quintanilla, the former drummer of Selena y Los Dinos, and Bill Arriaga. He is also the nephew of the late Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla. Unlike his musically inclined family, Jovan pursued a career in hydraulic engineering.

2. What does Jovan Arriaga do for a living?

Jovan Arriaga works as a hydraulic engineer. He is involved in public infrastructure development, including flood control systems and water management projects, showing his dedication to community service and environmental engineering.

3. Is Jovan Arriaga active on social media?

Jovan maintains a very private lifestyle and has a limited social media presence. He does have a private Instagram account, but he chooses not to engage in the public spotlight like other celebrity family members.

4. Who is Jovan Arriaga’s girlfriend?

Jovan Arriaga has been dating Mallory Smith since late 2019. She is a second-grade teacher in Corpus Christi, Texas, and a graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. The couple keeps their relationship private and low-key.

5. What is Jovan Arriaga’s net worth?

As of 2023, Jovan Arriaga’s estimated net worth is $1.5 million. This wealth comes from his career as a hydraulic civil engineer, not from celebrity endorsements or entertainment ventures.