UH ARTS LEADERSHIP ALUM FINDS SUCCESS IN TECH WORLD, REFLECTS ON 10 YEARS OF THE PROGRAM

Ariela Ventura's journey began in Los Angeles. A first-generation American, she was raised to pursue whatever she set her mind to. Despite her family's economic status, she always had an eye for all things creative—from painting to writing to fashion. Her path to the University of Houston's Arts Leadership program was one of determination, creativity, and an unwavering belief in her abilities.

Ventura’s father worked in a printing factory, earning minimum wage, while her mother cleaned homes in prestigious neighborhoods throughout Palisades, Calif. Ventura’s creative journey began early when her father brought her discarded notepads. At just eight years old, she started her portfolio using these notepads, setting her on a path to her future career.

As a high school senior at the age of 15, Ventura needed to decide the next steps in her education. She was deeply interested in communications, digital marketing, fashion, and art. She initially planned to pursue public relations directly from a fashion school, but ultimately decided to take a different route. She completed her basics at Lone Star College-CyFair and transferred to the University of Houston to pursue a degree in public relations with a certification in nonprofit management. Her creativity was something she cherished, and she believed that social status should not determine her success in a creative and impactful career.

“My parents came to this country with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Growing up, my father always shared that education was the true gift he could leave me,” Ventura said. “I knew breaking the ceiling our family had reached meant taking risks and putting in a lot of work.”

During her time at LSC, Ventura began showcasing her paintings in art exhibitions throughout the city, focusing on empowering children, women, and minority groups in the community. This led her to the world of fashion. She started networking, attending castings for fashion shows and photoshoots. By the time she started at UH, she had become an Artist in Motion at the Cancer and Hematology Center at Texas Children’s Hospital, where she created and implemented art programs for children.

Ventura’s journey at UH was marked by creativity and leadership. She became a marketing officer in the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and later, its president, confirming her love for public speaking and advocating for significant causes. She created marketing and public relations plans for the Community Artists’ Collective, introducing her to Project Row Houses and many nonprofits in the Museum District.

After graduation, Ventura faced a year of relentless job applications and rejection letters. She worked as a substitute teacher and a painting instructor while continuing to apply for jobs. After a year, she landed her first post-graduation job as a program director at Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA).

Ventura recognized the potential in combining her skills, passions, and talents with her career, leading innovative initiatives to help nonprofits raise funds. In addition to her day jobs, she became an ambassador for the sustainable fashion house Magpies and Peacocks and an art juror for the Texas Art Education Association VASE competition held in school districts throughout the state.

After a career transition to human resources and finance at the Houston Symphony, Ventura began exploring other opportunities for enrichment in her professional life. Her curiosity led her to discover the Arts Leadership program at UH. She enrolled in 2018.

“The Arts Leadership program spoke to me as an artist on a mission to succeed,” Ventura said. “I would not succumb to the myth of a starving artist, but I would also not sacrifice my passion and gifts at the cost of any monetary means or other business leaders executing what the program knew I could execute myself.”

Ventura entered the program with the vision of working in tech. After graduating in 2019, Her determination and hard work eventually led her to a role in the artificial intelligence division at Meta. Today, she plays a vital role in creating a footprint for this new division, handling culture implementation, stakeholder relationships, graphic design, art curation, security management, community impact initiatives, and much more.

Ventura credits much of her success to the Arts Leadership programs unique curriculum and class structure.

“I made lifelong friendships with current leaders and future leaders. I am confident that the path we are carving as creative leaders is one that will stand strong for generations to come.”

Looking back on a decade of Arts Leadership at UH, Ventura expressed her pride that others now have the same chance to enjoy the program's numerous benefits and career advancements, just as she did.

“The Arts Leadership program was truly the milestone in my life that unlocked the next level in how I thought and expressed my ideas. What has been built here is something I am eternally grateful for,” Ventura said.

Ventura’s journey, marked by creativity and determination, is a testament to her belief in pursuing impactful and creative paths regardless of the obstacles. Her story is a reminder that passion, combined with the right skills and determination, can lead to success in even the most unexpected places.

“It is because of this opportunity that the 8-year-old girl in Los Angeles was able to break glass ceilings, becoming the first to attain a master’s degree, the first to work in one of the Big 5 tech companies, and the first of many more things to come.”