Jovan Arriaga: The Inspiring Life of Suzette Quintanilla’s Son and Selena’s Nephew

Jovan Arriaga is best known as the only son of Suzette Quintanilla and Bill Arriaga. Born into one of the most respected and loved musical families in Latin American culture, Jovan has chosen a very different path from his famous relatives. While his mother, Suzette, and his late aunt, Selena Quintanilla, became icons in the world of Tejano music, Jovan decided to follow his passion for science and engineering.

His life represents a balance between family heritage and personal ambition. Instead of living in the spotlight, he has built a successful career as a hydraulic civil engineer. Despite his connection to one of the most recognized names in Latin music history, Jovan lives a calm, private, and humble life, admired for his intelligence, discipline, and dedication.

Personal Details

Who is Jovan Arriaga

Jovan Arriaga is the only son of Suzette Quintanilla and Bill Arriaga, and the nephew of the late Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla. Born into a family with a strong musical legacy, Jovan has built his own identity outside the entertainment industry. He works as a hydraulic civil engineer, showing that success can come through education, professionalism, and hard work rather than fame. His calm nature, discipline, and respect for his family’s legacy have made him well-loved by those who know the Quintanilla family story.

Early Life and Background

Jovan was born on March 5, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he grew up surrounded by his family’s strong cultural and musical background. Even though the Quintanilla family name is famous worldwide, his parents worked hard to give him a normal and private upbringing. They wanted him to enjoy a peaceful life away from the spotlight, so Jovan spent his childhood focusing on school, sports, and family activities. During high school, he was active in baseball and education, showing early signs of determination and focus. His parents taught him the importance of respect, humility, and hard work—values that continue to guide him today.

Mother – Suzette Quintanilla

Jovan’s mother, Suzette Quintanilla, was born on June 29, 1967, and is best known as the drummer of the family band Selena y Los Dinos. She played alongside her sister Selena and brother A.B. Quintanilla during the rise of Tejano music. After Selena’s tragic passing in 1995, Suzette became deeply involved in preserving her sister’s legacy.

She manages the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, runs Q-Productions, and helps oversee projects that celebrate Selena’s memory, including Selena: The Series on Netflix. Beyond her work, Suzette is a loving mother who raised Jovan with strong morals and compassion. Her dedication to her family’s legacy and her role as a protective and caring mother have had a lasting influence on her son.

Father – Bill Arriaga

Jovan’s father, Bill Arriaga, is known for his private and reserved personality. He married Suzette in 1993, and their marriage has remained strong for over thirty years. Bill prefers to live outside the public eye, focusing instead on family life and supporting his wife and son. His calm nature has been a stabilizing force in the family, and he is known for being kind and dedicated. Though not much is known about his professional background, Bill’s quiet strength and family-first attitude have played a major role in shaping Jovan’s grounded personality.

Connection to Aunt Selena Quintanilla

Although Jovan never had the chance to meet his aunt Selena, her influence has been a powerful presence in his life. Selena passed away in 1995, three years before Jovan was born, but her music and spirit have continued to inspire millions around the world. Within his family, Selena’s legacy is kept alive through love, memories, and the stories shared by Suzette. Jovan grew up learning about his aunt’s kindness, determination, and the joy she brought to people everywhere.

Suzette has often mentioned that Jovan reminds her of Selena, especially because of his bright and warm smile. This resemblance has been a comforting connection for the family and a reminder that Selena’s spirit still lives on through him. The Quintanilla family continues to celebrate Selena’s legacy through the Selena Museum, tribute events, and music projects. For Jovan, his aunt’s memory is more than just part of history—it is a source of inspiration that teaches him about passion, love, and perseverance.

Education and Academic Journey

Education has always been an important part of Jovan’s life. After completing high school with excellent grades, he went on to study at Texas A&M University, one of the most respected universities in Texas. There, he chose to pursue a degree in hydraulic civil engineering, a field focused on designing and managing water systems and infrastructure. This choice showed his interest in solving real-world problems through science and technology. His dedication and curiosity made him stand out as a student.

He worked hard throughout college and graduated with honors, making his parents proud. His education gave him the foundation to build a successful and meaningful career. Instead of following his family’s musical path, Jovan found his passion in engineering, showing that success can come in many forms. His decision also reflected his independent thinking and strong will to build a life based on his own dreams and goals.

Professional Career

After graduating from university, Jovan began his career as a hydraulic civil engineer. His job involves designing, building, and maintaining systems that help manage water resources, control flooding, and improve infrastructure. Through his work, Jovan helps communities deal with water-related challenges, proving that his profession has a real impact on people’s lives. He takes pride in being part of projects that promote sustainability and public safety. His technical knowledge and problem-solving skills make him well-respected in his field.

Jovan’s career is proof that hard work, education, and focus can lead to success even without fame. His journey from being a student to becoming a professional engineer reflects his dedication to making a difference. He continues to grow in his career, quietly building a name for himself as a reliable and talented professional who contributes to improving the world through his work.

Personal Life and Relationship

Even though Jovan comes from a famous family, he has always preferred to live privately and keep his personal life away from public attention. However, it is known that he has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith since late 2019. Mallory is a second-grade teacher who works at the School of Science and Technology in Corpus Christi, Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi in 2019 with a degree in education. The couple met during their college years, and their relationship has grown stronger over time.

Mallory once shared a photo of them together on Instagram with a playful caption that said, “I was quite the catch,” referring to Jovan’s love for baseball. This post gave fans a rare glimpse into their relationship. Despite being admired by many, Jovan and Mallory prefer to live quietly, focusing on their careers and spending time with loved ones. They share strong values of kindness, respect, and humility, which have helped them build a lasting relationship. Their love story shows that even in a world full of attention, it is possible to live a peaceful and genuine life.

Net Worth and Financial Success

Jovan Arriaga has built a comfortable and stable life through his career as an engineer. His estimated net worth is around $1.5 million as of 2026. This wealth comes mainly from his professional work in hydraulic civil engineering, a career that requires education, skill, and dedication. While he may not have the fame or financial reach of his late aunt Selena or his mother Suzette, Jovan’s success is a reflection of his independence and work ethic.

His mother, Suzette, has an estimated net worth of about $3 million, which she earned from her music career and her continued efforts to protect and promote Selena’s legacy. Selena herself had a net worth of around $5 million at the time of her death. Jovan’s achievements show that he has created his own success story, one built on education and perseverance rather than fame. He represents a new generation of the Quintanilla family that values meaningful work and steady progress.

Social Media and Public Image

In today’s digital age, it is common for people to share their lives online, but Jovan has chosen a different approach. His Instagram account is private, and he rarely shares personal details. With a following of about 8,000 people, his account is mostly limited to family and close friends. This decision reflects his preference for privacy and simplicity. Most of the public glimpses into his life come from Mallory Smith’s social media posts, where she occasionally shares photos of them together.

Fans appreciate this balance between personal privacy and small moments of openness. Jovan’s decision to stay out of the public eye has earned him respect for being genuine and grounded. He does not seek fame or attention; instead, he focuses on living a meaningful life built on real relationships, education, and career accomplishments.

Legacy and Connection to the Quintanilla Family

Even though Jovan chose a different career path, his life continues to reflect the strong values and pride of the Quintanilla family. His late aunt Selena changed the world with her music and message of love, and his mother Suzette continues to protect and honor that legacy.

Jovan’s journey shows that family heritage is not just about fame or success in the public eye—it is about the strength, love, and discipline passed down through generations. He honors his family not by performing on stage but by living with integrity, respect, and purpose. Through his hard work and humility, Jovan represents a new chapter in the Quintanilla story. His life is proof that legacy can take many forms and that true success comes from being true to oneself while respecting one’s roots.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jovan Arriaga’s story is one of quiet strength, independence, and deep family pride. Born into a family known around the world for its musical talent, Jovan has built his own identity as a professional engineer and a kind-hearted individual. From his childhood in Corpus Christi to his education at Texas A&M University and his career in hydraulic civil engineering, every step of his journey reflects dedication and purpose.

His love for his family, especially the lasting influence of his mother, Suzette, and his late aunt Selena, continues to shape his life. Through his work, relationships, and values, Jovan shows that success is not always about fame—it can also be about living a meaningful, honest, and peaceful life. He carries the Quintanilla legacy with pride while writing his own story, one built on love, education, and humility.