Who We Are / Ariana Valentin

Ariana Valentin (Writer)

Ari Valentin Headshot

Ariana Valentin is a fourth-year journalism student. She is passionate about hearing the voices of her community and reporting others’ stories. She’s grateful for the chance to work on AccessU and gain more experience by getting closer to the University community. Outside of school Ari enjoys spending time outside and hanging out with her cats, friends and family.

Ariana’s Stories

UMN First-Gen Institute’s microgrant program supports first-generation student initiatives

A March 19 event will honor the innovative work produced from three years of microgrants and explore funding opportunities for the future.

By Ariana Valentin

Rashné Jehangir smiles fondly at a photo of her first two first-generation focus groups in her office at the University of Minnesota on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Rashné Jehangir’s extraordinary care for first-generation students

Through her advocacy and achievement, the professor of higher education has become a fierce advocate for the students she believes bring many assets — not deficits.

By Ariana Valentin

University of Minnesota advisers need more first-gen focus, students say

The University of Minnesota’s first-generation student population feels mostly supported by their advisers, but those students want their advisers to help navigate their university experience.

By Fiona Curran, Gabriel Castilho, Hadeal Rizeq, Ariana Valentin and Ben Wagner