Ariana Pacas-Diaz: How she Became the Woman she was Always Meant to Be

By: Sofia Garcia

Edited by Ariana Arias

Word Count: 1,020

Estimated Read Time: 4-5 Minutes

Ariana Nohemi Pacas-Diaz would not change a thing about her undergraduate journey. Her devotion to her faith, her love for her family and her admiration for her sorority sisters were cornerstones that made her journey memorable.

Not only did these cornerstones encourage her throughout her journey, but her motivation to build a bright future for herself kept her going.

Pacas-Diaz strived for academic success. She made the dean’s list, which requires a competitive grade-point average. Extracurricular activities and Greek life also demonstrate her dedication to her education.

During her sophomore year, she took it upon herself to step out of her comfort zone. Making friends was intimidating because she has a shy and anxious personality.

Her sister was always there for her during her first year, but she wanted to gain more out of her undergraduate experience.

“I wanted to grow, get involved and find a place that felt like home.”

Pacas-Diaz and her older sister decided to explore student organizations on campus. Specifically, the Latin-American Student Organization (LASO) and the Delta Psi Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority (LTA), Inc.

She began to feel a sense of belonging.

She crossed in fall 2023 alongside her older sister to become a part of LTA. Ariana’s oldest sister also joined LTA during her time in college in spring 2017.

“Through this sisterhood, I met educated, professional and inspiring Latina women who will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

One of her proudest moments from being part of this chapter was being a pledge mistress.

“I had the honor of welcoming five beautiful women into the sisterhood I love so dearly; Line 14, ‘The Elysian Ember.’ They are one of my greatest sources of pride and joy, and being able to guide them through that process was a full-circle moment I will never forget.”

Other Latino-led student organizations helped Pacas-Diaz make connections during her undergraduate journey as well.

LASO helped her earn a sense of belonging.

So much so that she decided to run for the organization’s executive board. In fall 2024, she earned her spot as treasurer and later became co-social chair.

Learning about leadership and service are lessons that she will take with her.

That same semester, she also joined Alpha Kappa Psi. This fraternity provided her with professional development and networking opportunities. She met many incredible people and created lifelong friendships.

When she served as interchapter liaison, she strengthened her relationships with other chapters and further developed her skills as a leader.

What is the point of giving advice if you are not going to follow it yourself? She encourages others to “join organizations, attend events, talk to professors, connect with classmates and introduce yourself even when it feels uncomfortable.”

On top of being involved on campus, Pacas-Diaz searched for opportunities in career development.

She earned the chance to fulfill three internships: marketing associate at Maryland Express Tag & Title, student marketeer for Red Bull and marketing intern for Wintarian Athletics.

Through these opportunities, she built relationships, learned marketing strategies and ultimately gained knowledge that will help build her career in the business administration field.

Her parents were her biggest motivator for academic success. Her mother previously worked as a military nurse for 10 years after earning her degree in El Salvador. Pacas-Diaz emphasized how her mother’s story always reminded her of how education can completely change the direction of a family’s life.

Her father also pushed her to do well in school. She stated, “Even when things were difficult, he never let us settle for less than our full potential.”

Higher education is a privilege that Pacas-Diaz would not take for granted. She felt it was her responsibility to be successful and make the most of the experience. She ensured that her parents’ sacrifices were never in vain, as she turned them into something meaningful.

Her admiration for her parents and her devotion to her faith were some of her biggest motivators.

Her faith kept her grounded, and she truly believes that everything happens for a reason.

That God has placed people and opportunities into her life for a reason.

“Without God, I truly would not be where I am today. Through every challenge, every doubt and every victory, my faith carried me. And to my parents, who were selfless enough to leave behind their own lives so I could have better opportunities, I owe everything.”

Overall, Pacas-Diaz’s determination to make an impact encouraged her to take action and seek opportunities that will help her be successful.

She continues to encourage others to get out of their comfort zone and get involved. She could have missed many opportunities if she just walked by them. The internships, leadership roles and friendships she made came from spaces she almost did not walk into.

Pacas-Diaz is the prime example of what it means to be a successfully educated Latina woman.

“Stay consistent, trust your timing and remember that comparison will steal your joy if you let it.”