Introduction: Who Is Jovan Arriaga?
When people hear the name Jovan Arriaga, they often connect it to one of the most famous families in Latin music history—the Quintanillas. Jovan is the only son of Suzette Quintanilla, the former drummer of Selena y Los Dinos, and her husband Bill Arriaga. While he grew up in the shadow of his legendary aunt, the late Selena Quintanilla, Jovan has chosen to follow a very different path. Instead of chasing fame, he built a career as a hydraulic engineer. His life story is fascinating because it shows how someone from a celebrity family can stay grounded while carrying on the values of hard work and family pride.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Jovan Arriaga
Date of Birth: March 5, 1998
Age: 27 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace: United States of America
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Mexican and Cherokee
Parents: Suzette Quintanilla and Bill Arriaga
Profession: Hydraulic Engineer
Height: 5’10’’ (178 cm)
Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs)
Net Worth: $1.5 million (2025)
Girlfriend: Mallory Smith
Early Life and Background
Jovan Arriaga was born on March 5, 1998, in the United States. As of 2025, he is 27 years old. He grew up in a household that was both culturally rich and shaped by music, though his own interests leaned more toward academics and sports. His heritage is a beautiful blend of Mexican and Cherokee roots, reflecting the diversity within the Quintanilla family.
Growing up, Jovan was always surrounded by the legacy of his aunt Selena, whose music and cultural influence are still celebrated around the world. Despite this, his parents made sure he had a normal upbringing away from constant media attention. His early years were filled with family traditions, education, and sports activities, which helped shape him into a balanced young man.
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Family Legacy: The Quintanilla Connection
The name Quintanilla carries great weight in the world of Latin music. Suzette Quintanilla, Jovan’s mother, was part of the iconic family band, Selena y Los Dinos. She played the drums alongside her sister Selena, who became one of the most beloved Tejano singers of all time, and her brother A.B. Quintanilla III, a well-known producer and songwriter.
Selena’s tragic death in 1995 deeply affected the family, but they have spent decades keeping her memory alive through music, film, and the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas. Jovan grew up with this legacy all around him. His aunt’s story has inspired millions, and his family continues to celebrate her impact on Latin culture. Even though he was born after Selena’s passing, Jovan remains a proud symbol of the family’s continuing legacy.
Education and Academic Achievements
Unlike many celebrity kids who follow entertainment careers, Jovan Arriaga chose education as his focus. After completing high school with honors in 2017, he enrolled at Texas A&M University, where he pursued a degree in Hydraulic Engineering.
Engineering may seem like a very different path from music, but it reflects Jovan’s personal ambition to create his own identity outside of fame. His dedication to his studies showed that he valued knowledge and professional growth. His success in academics also highlighted the supportive role of his parents, who always encouraged him to pursue his interests.
Career: Jovan Arriaga as a Hydraulic Engineer
Today, Jovan is a hydraulic engineer, a career that involves designing and managing water systems. It is a specialized and respected field, and his work has allowed him to build an independent life away from the entertainment spotlight.
His decision to pursue engineering reflects his determination to carve out his own path. While his family remains heavily involved in music and entertainment, Jovan’s career highlights the importance of individuality. He is proof that even within a famous family, one can choose a different passion and excel in it.
Personal Life and Character
Though Jovan grew up as part of a well-known family, he has managed to stay remarkably private. Friends and family describe him as respectful, grounded, and hard-working. Unlike many celebrity children who rely on fame, Jovan prefers to live quietly and build his own life.
He enjoys spending time with his close circle, avoids unnecessary publicity, and rarely shares personal details with the public. This private nature has made him more intriguing to fans who are always curious to learn more about him.
Relationship: Who Is Jovan Arriaga’s Girlfriend?
Since 2019, Jovan Arriaga has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith, a second-grade teacher. Mallory is a graduate of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and she now works at the School of Science and Technology in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The couple met during their university years and have been together for several years. Their relationship has been described as strong and supportive. Mallory’s career in education also reflects the values of dedication and service, which complement Jovan’s professional life. Together, they represent a modern couple that values privacy, hard work, and love over media attention.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2025, Jovan Arriaga’s net worth is estimated at around $1.5 million. His income comes primarily from his engineering career rather than family wealth. His financial stability shows his independence and commitment to building his own future.
For comparison, his mother, Suzette Quintanilla, has a net worth of about $3 million, thanks to her long-standing involvement in music, entertainment, and the Selena Museum. Jovan’s net worth, while smaller, is significant given his age and chosen profession. It highlights his success in building a career separate from his family’s fame.
Physical Appearance and Personality Traits
Jovan Arriaga is often noted for his striking looks, which resemble his famous aunt Selena. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and weighing about 70 kilograms (154 lbs), he has a healthy and athletic build. With black hair and dark brown eyes, he carries the signature Quintanilla features that fans admire.
Beyond his looks, people describe him as polite, humble, and driven. These personality traits, combined with his professional success, make him admired not only as a celebrity son but also as an individual.
Social Media Presence
In today’s digital world, social media often reveals much about a person. Jovan Arriaga has around 16.5k followers on Instagram as of late 2023. While he is not extremely active compared to influencers, he occasionally shares glimpses of his life, including family moments and personal milestones.
Unlike many celebrity kids, he does not use social media for fame or endorsements. Instead, his online presence reflects his preference for privacy and authenticity. Fans who follow him do so because of genuine interest in his life, not for constant updates or staged posts.
Spotlight on Suzette and Bill Arriaga
To understand Jovan better, it is important to look at his parents. Suzette Quintanilla was born on June 29, 1967, in Lake Jackson, Texas. She was the drummer for Selena y Los Dinos until Selena’s death, after which she left music. Today, she manages the Selena Museum and helps preserve her sister’s legacy. Suzette married Bill Arriaga in 1993, and the couple has remained happily married for over three decades.
Bill Arriaga, Jovan’s father, has always preferred to live privately, staying out of the public spotlight. Together, Suzette and Bill provided Jovan with a supportive, stable upbringing, which allowed him to thrive outside the shadow of fame.
How Selena’s Legacy Shapes Jovan’s Life
Even though Jovan never met his aunt Selena, her influence is deeply woven into his life. Family stories, cultural pride, and the worldwide admiration for Selena have always surrounded him. The Selena Museum, which his mother manages, ensures that Selena’s story continues to inspire future generations.
For Jovan, being part of this legacy is both an honor and a responsibility. While he has chosen a private path, he understands the importance of carrying the Quintanilla name with pride. His life reflects a blend of independence and respect for the cultural significance his family holds.
Final Thoughts on Jovan Arriaga
Jovan Arriaga’s life story is unique because it shows how someone can grow up in a world-famous family and still choose a quiet, independent path. While he honors his family’s cultural and musical legacy, he has built his own career in engineering and is admired for his humility, intelligence, and grounded lifestyle.
From his strong educational background to his dedicated relationship with Mallory Smith, Jovan is more than just “Suzette Quintanilla’s son.” He is an accomplished young professional who shows that personal success is not limited to fame. As fans continue to celebrate Selena’s influence, Jovan represents the next generation of the Quintanilla family—one that values privacy, love, and professional growth.
FAQs About Jovan Arriaga
Who is Jovan Arriaga?
Jovan Arriaga is the son of Suzette Quintanilla and Bill Arriaga. He is known as the nephew of the late Selena Quintanilla and works as a hydraulic engineer.
How old is Jovan Arriaga?
He was born on March 5, 1998, making him 27 years old in 2025.
What does Jovan Arriaga do for a living?
Jovan works as a hydraulic engineer, a career he built after graduating from Texas A&M University.
Who are Jovan Arriaga’s parents?
His parents are Suzette Quintanilla, former drummer of Selena y Los Dinos, and Bill Arriaga, a private businessman.
Is Jovan Arriaga dating anyone?
Yes, he has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith, a second-grade teacher, since 2019.
What is Jovan Arriaga’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $1.5 million as of 2025.
How is Jovan related to Selena Quintanilla?
Jovan is Selena Quintanilla’s nephew. Although he was born after her passing, her legacy has played a big role in his family life.
