Jovan Arriaga may carry the famed Quintanilla name, but he has built a life entirely his own—marked by discipline, intellect, and a quiet commitment to personal growth. As the only son of Suzette Quintanilla, drummer of the iconic band Selena y Los Dinos, and Bill Arriaga, Jovan was born into a family closely tied to the rich legacy of Tejano music. Still, his journey has taken a more grounded route, far from the expectations often placed on children of public figures.
A Childhood Steeped in Legacy
Born on March 5, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jovan Arriaga is 27 years old as of 2025. He grew up surrounded by stories, memories, and music shaped by the brilliance of his aunt Selena Quintanilla, the legendary singer who redefined Latin pop in America before her tragic death in 1995. Though he never met his aunt, her presence was deeply felt in the family home, where resilience, creativity, and unity were cornerstones of daily life.
His mother, Suzette, has continued to preserve Selena’s legacy through her role as manager of the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi and her work in the family’s music businesses. Jovan, while proud of his heritage, chose a path rooted not in show business but in structure, service, and intellect.
An Academic Path with Purpose
Jovan Arriaga’s educational choices reflect a clear intention to carve a unique identity. After graduating high school with honors in 2017, he went on to attend Texas A&M University. There, he majored in hydraulic engineering, a field that deals with the movement and management of water resources. This decision was a notable departure from his family’s creative pursuits, highlighting his personal interest in science, math, and public infrastructure.
In high school, Jovan also participated in sports, especially baseball, a discipline that helped reinforce teamwork, time management, and work ethic. These attributes have remained with him as he transitioned into his professional life.
A Career Focused on Community Impact
Rather than entering the entertainment world or using his family name for influence, Jovan became a hydraulic civil engineer. His work focuses on solving practical problems—improving public water systems, planning sustainable drainage, and enhancing community resilience against flooding.
His career is not just about numbers and infrastructure—it’s about real-world impact. By choosing a technical profession, Jovan demonstrates a long-term commitment to contributing meaningfully to society. He is helping to build safer and more sustainable communities, one project at a time.
Private Life and Relationship
Jovan’s personal life mirrors his professional values—quiet, thoughtful, and free from public spectacle. Since late 2019, he has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith, a second-grade teacher also from Corpus Christi. The couple has maintained a low profile, steering clear of social media attention or public events. Their relationship, while private, reflects mutual respect, stability, and shared values.
Despite growing up in a family that has been in the public eye for decades, Jovan has chosen to remain off the celebrity radar. He occasionally shares glimpses of his life through a private Instagram account but refrains from oversharing. This intentional boundary-setting has allowed him to enjoy life on his terms without inviting outside scrutiny.
A Strong Family Foundation
The Quintanilla family, especially Suzette, has played a vital role in shaping Jovan’s character. Suzette’s influence is clear in the way Jovan carries himself—humble, focused, and deeply loyal. Their close mother-son relationship has been quietly highlighted in rare family photos and respectful interviews, always showing a bond built on mutual admiration and love.
Jovan’s father, Bill Arriaga, also deserves recognition for keeping their family grounded. Though less in the public eye than Suzette, Bill has been a steady presence in Jovan’s life and a quiet support behind the scenes.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Jovan Arriaga’s estimated net worth is between $250,000 and $400,000. This figure is based on his work as a civil engineer and not influenced by entertainment or commercial deals. He has not taken part in endorsements, merchandise, or public speaking engagements, choosing instead to focus on his engineering career.
His lifestyle reflects modesty and purpose. He does not live extravagantly, and there is no record of luxury purchases or media appearances. His priorities seem to center around family, meaningful work, and personal integrity.
Living in the Shadow of Greatness Without Being Overshadowed
Jovan Arriaga’s life is a powerful example of how it’s possible to be connected to fame without being consumed by it. He has honored his family’s legacy not by replicating it but by living out the values it represents—hard work, humility, and service.
He doesn’t need a stage to make an impact or a spotlight to validate his choices. His quiet determination and strong moral compass speak volumes. In a world where celebrity often takes precedence over substance, Jovan’s story is a refreshing reminder that success can be deeply personal and quietly transformative.
Final Thoughts
Jovan Arriaga may be best known as the son of Suzette Quintanilla and nephew of Selena, but his identity is rooted in much more than legacy. At just 27, he’s already shown that personal fulfillment doesn’t require public approval. Whether working on infrastructure projects or building a future with his longtime partner, Jovan is living proof that a life of purpose, privacy, and authenticity is just as powerful as any stage performance.