A Journey of Empowerment and Belonging
My name is Ariana Luz Quiñones, but these days I mostly go by Ariluz—it’s a name that suits me. Born in the Bronx and raised in White Plains, New York, I'm a proud Queer and Trans Puerto Rican. My story is a testament to the impact that a perceptive leader and her caring community can have helping a young person thrive. Through the support of Soledad O’Brien and the PowHERful Foundation, I’ve come to embrace my identity, to flourish in college, and to see my way to a fulfilling career of leadership where I can help empower other young people.
Growing up, I always knew I was different. From my energetic childhood to my bold decision to chop off my hair at the age of four, I wasn't afraid to express myself. Little did I know, that fearless act was only the first step of a lifelong journey towards my true sense of who I am as a transgender person. My path was illuminated by a powerful moment that changed my life trajectory—when Soledad O'Brien introduced herself.
Flashback to April 2012, and I was just a college hopeful unsure of my next steps. At El Diario La Prensa's “Mujeres Destacadas,” an event started by my mom in the 90s, I surprised her by speaking about the impact that growing up around all these powerful women had on me. I also mentioned my plans to attend a public university in NYC, Hunter College, due to financial constraints.
In surprise attendance that April day was Soledad O’Brien. Sometime after my moment at the podium, she came up to me, my mother at her side, and said, “I hear you want to go to Smith.” Smith College, my dream school, had accepted me, but I couldn’t attend due to its cost. In that moment, with Soledad’s great calm in taking my hand, my mother tearful next to her, I understood my life had changed. Soledad offered me the PowHERful scholarship that made it possible for me to go to the school I had so longed to attend.
College was a time of self-discovery, growth and exploration. Thanks to PowHERful, I had opportunities I couldn’t have imagined: I spent one summer in Bali through John Jay College; another year, I spent the summer months in Minnesota to intern at the Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC).
After I graduated from Smith College with a BA in English, PowHERful’s 2016 Gala introduced me to mentors who would later become my bosses at Rutgers University-Newark, where I served as National Program Coordinator for the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network. During my time at BOLD I helped teach a course for the Honors Living and Learning Community and developed workshops, mentored students, and started to hone my skills as a facilitator. To this day, one of my greatest satisfactions is remembering the moment that I made a room of 200 high schoolers laugh.
After BOLD, I went on to work for the YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester. As Director of Racial Justice & Youth Programming, I launched a leadership program for young women in Westchester. And when we saw the high demand for racial equity training, I teamed with a consultant to create a Racial Equity workshop series. In 2019, my first year at the Y, June 5th was declared ‘Ariana Luz Quiñones’ Day’ in Westchester County. It’s one of my favorite fun facts about myself!
Early in 2020, the pandemic took hold. It brought so many unexpected challenges and tested my resilience—but from adversity comes growth. Through this hardship came the clear sense that my true passion was working with teenagers and college students, to help them navigate the many difficulties that arise in life.
Here’s something I’d like all young people to know: Do not be afraid to ask for help. When I put my pride aside and asked for what I needed, I was amazed at the ways my world opened up. Soledad found me because of my mother and my mother’s community, and without the help of these powerful and amazing women I would not be the person I am today. Also know that, if you want to have a positive impact, it’s important to do the work of nurturing yourself. We give our best when we are able to see ourselves and love ourselves fully. PowHERful taught me, so many times, that when you’re supported, you excel at what you do.
In my current work for the Sadie Nash Leadership Project, I’m committed to helping the organization grow and become stronger. As I continue to gain professional experience, I dream of establishing a community center that provides a safe space for all youth, especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+. The center would be a haven to support and invest in them in the same way PowHERful supported and invested in me. To connect young people to college, to meaningful work and the support of community members who will care for them and keep the doors open—these opportunities make all the difference. If I can give to others what I received from Soledad and PowHERful, I will be contributing to a positive ripple effect that continues outward to more and more young people, empowering them to help themselves and all of those who follow.