Introduction: Who Is Jovan Arriaga?
When people hear the name Jovan Arriaga, the first thought that comes to mind is his connection to the legendary Quintanilla family. Born into one of the most famous families in Latin music history, Jovan is the son of Suzette Quintanilla, former drummer of Selena y Los Dinos, and her husband Bill Arriaga. He also happens to be the nephew of the late Selena Quintanilla, the beloved Queen of Tejano Music whose influence is still felt worldwide.
Despite being surrounded by fame, Jovan has chosen a very different path for himself. Instead of living in the spotlight, he has built a career as a hydraulic engineer, showing that one can honor their family’s legacy while still creating their own identity. His life story is inspiring because it highlights themes of independence, family pride, and grounded living.
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. Now 27 years old, he grew up in a household filled with music, culture, and tradition. His heritage reflects both Mexican and Cherokee roots, giving him a strong cultural identity. While his family was known across the world for music, his own childhood was intentionally kept private.
His parents made sure he experienced a normal upbringing, free from the pressures of constant media attention. Family traditions, school achievements, and sports were central to his younger years. This careful balance allowed Jovan to grow into a grounded young man who valued hard work and education.
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Family Legacy: The Quintanilla Connection
The name Quintanilla carries enormous weight in Latin music. Jovan’s mother, Suzette Quintanilla, was not only Selena’s sister but also her drummer in the family band, Selena y Los Dinos. His uncle, A.B. Quintanilla III, became a respected songwriter and record producer.
Most notably, his aunt, Selena Quintanilla, rose to become an international superstar and cultural icon before her life was tragically cut short in 1995. Though Jovan was born three years after her passing, her influence has always been part of his life. Family stories, tributes, and the global admiration for Selena are constants in the Arriaga household.
Who Are Jovan Arriaga’s Parents?
Jovan’s parents, Suzette and Bill Arriaga, have been married since 1993. Their love story was highlighted in the Netflix drama Selena: The Series, where Suzette served as an executive producer. While Suzette was once in the spotlight as a musician, she left her career after Selena’s death and focused on family and preserving her sister’s legacy. Today, she helps run the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Bill, on the other hand, has always lived privately. Unlike the rest of the Quintanilla family, he avoids public attention and focuses on a quiet life. Together, they provided Jovan with a supportive and stable upbringing that helped him thrive outside of fame.
Education and Academic Journey
Unlike many children of celebrities who pursue careers in entertainment, Jovan decided to focus on academics. After graduating from high school with honors in 2017, he enrolled at Texas A&M University. There, he majored in Hydraulic Engineering, a field far removed from the music industry.
His academic success reflects both his personal ambition and the encouragement of his family, who supported his decision to carve out his own career path. By dedicating himself to education, Jovan showed that he wanted to be known for his own achievements rather than just his famous last name.
Jovan Arriaga’s Career as a Hydraulic Engineer
Today, Jovan works as a hydraulic engineer, a career focused on designing and managing systems that involve water flow and distribution. This profession requires technical skills, problem-solving, and precision, highlighting his intelligence and work ethic.
While many celebrity children rely on fame for opportunities, Jovan built his career through education and discipline. His decision to pursue engineering instead of music demonstrates his desire to stand on his own and create a professional identity that is completely separate from his family’s fame.
Personal Life and Character
One of the most notable things about Jovan is his preference for privacy. While he grew up surrounded by fame, he has chosen to keep his personal life away from the media spotlight. Friends and family describe him as humble, respectful, and hardworking.
Interestingly, Suzette once mentioned that Jovan has her sister Selena’s smile, a reminder of how family traits continue to live on through generations. His personality, combined with his achievements, makes him admired not just as Selena’s nephew but also as an individual who represents grounded values.
Relationship: Who Is Jovan Arriaga’s Girlfriend?
Since 2019, Jovan has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith, a second-grade teacher. Mallory studied at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and now works at the School of Science and Technology in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Their relationship is often described as strong and steady. Unlike celebrity couples who face constant media coverage, Jovan and Mallory keep their relationship private and grounded. Their story reflects shared values of dedication, education, and love without needing the attention of fame.
Jovan Arriaga’s Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2025, Jovan Arriaga has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. His earnings come primarily from his engineering career rather than his family’s legacy. This level of financial independence is impressive, particularly considering his young age.
For comparison, his mother Suzette’s net worth is estimated at around $3 million, thanks to her career in music and her continued work preserving Selena’s memory. While Jovan’s net worth is smaller, it is a clear reflection of his independent achievements and professional growth.
Physical Appearance and Resemblance to Selena
Jovan Arriaga stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 70 kilograms. With his black hair and dark brown eyes, he carries features that remind many of his late aunt, Selena. His mother has even shared that his smile is strikingly similar to Selena’s, something fans find deeply moving.
Beyond his appearance, he is known for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and presenting himself with confidence, further highlighting his strong personality and discipline.
Social Media Presence
While many celebrity kids use social media to stay in the spotlight, Jovan takes a different approach. His Instagram account, with around 16.5k followers as of 2023, is private. He only shares limited glimpses of his life, reflecting his preference for privacy over publicity.
This approach makes him more relatable to fans who admire his authenticity. His online presence is not about endorsements or fame but about genuine connection with those close to him.
How Selena’s Legacy Influences His Life
Even though Jovan never met Selena, her presence is strongly felt in his life. Through family stories, the Selena Museum, and worldwide tributes, Selena’s legacy remains central to his family identity. His mother continues to ensure that Selena’s influence inspires future generations.
For Jovan, being Selena’s nephew is an honor, but he has never used it as a way to gain attention. Instead, he carries the Quintanilla name with pride, while also proving that he is capable of creating his own path. His life beautifully blends family legacy with individuality.
Final Thoughts on Jovan Arriaga
The life of Jovan Arriaga shows that it is possible to grow up in a world-famous family and still live a private, grounded, and successful life. From his academic achievements to his career as a hydraulic engineer, Jovan has built a path that is uniquely his own.
He honors the Quintanilla legacy while also creating an identity defined by humility, intelligence, and hard work. Whether it is through his professional success, his strong relationship with Mallory Smith, or his resemblance to Selena, Jovan remains an inspiring figure. His story is proof that true success is not always about fame—it is about staying true to oneself and living with pride and purpose.
FAQs About Jovan Arriaga
Who are Jovan Arriaga’s parents?
His parents are Suzette Quintanilla, former drummer of Selena y Los Dinos, and Bill Arriaga, who lives a private life away from the spotlight.
How old is Jovan Arriaga?
He was born on March 5, 1998, which makes him 27 years old in 2025.
What does Jovan Arriaga do for a living?
He works as a hydraulic engineer, designing and managing water systems.
Is Jovan Arriaga married?
No, he is not married, but he has been in a long-term relationship since 2019.
Who is Jovan Arriaga’s girlfriend?
His girlfriend is Mallory Smith, a teacher in Corpus Christi, Texas.
What is Jovan Arriaga’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at $1.5 million in 2025, mainly from his engineering career.
How is Jovan related to Selena Quintanilla?
Jovan is the nephew of Selena Quintanilla. He never met her but strongly resembles her, especially in his smile.
