When you belong to a famous family, people naturally want to know about your life. Jovan Arriaga knows this feeling very well. He is the only son of Suzette Quintanilla and the nephew of the late music icon Selena Quintanilla. While his family is known for creating beautiful music, Jovan has chosen a different path for himself. Let’s learn more about this young man who carries a special legacy.
Biography of Jovan Arriaga
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jovan Arriaga |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1998 |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Birthplace | Corpus Christi, Texas, USA |
| Parents | Suzette Quintanilla (Mother), Bill Arriaga (Father) |
| Famous Aunt | Selena Quintanilla |
| Education | Texas A&M University (Hydraulic Engineering) |
| Profession | Hydraulic Civil Engineer |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Relationship | Dating Mallory Smith |
| Children | Lincoln Arriaga (Son) |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
Early Life and Family Background
Jovan Arriaga was born on March 5, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He came into a world filled with music and cultural heritage. His mother, Suzette Quintanilla, was the drummer for the famous band Selena y Los Dinos. His father, Bill Arriaga, prefers to stay away from the spotlight but has always been a supportive husband and father.
Growing up, Jovan was surrounded by stories of his legendary aunt, Selena Quintanilla. Sadly, Selena passed away in 1995, three years before Jovan was born. He never got the chance to meet her, but her presence was always felt in his family. His mother often says that Jovan has Selena’s smile, which brings her comfort and happy memories.
Jovan is the only child of Suzette and Bill. The couple married in September 1993 and waited five years before welcoming their son. They wanted to give him all their love and attention. His grandparents are Abraham Quintanilla Jr., a well-known music producer, and Marcella Samora, a loving homemaker. His uncle, A.B. Quintanilla III, is also a famous record producer and musician.
Education and School Years
Jovan attended a local high school in Corpus Christi, where he was not just focused on books. He played baseball for four years and showed great talent in sports. His teachers and coaches remember him as a hardworking and dedicated student. He graduated from high school with honors in May 2017, making his parents very proud.
After finishing high school, Jovan decided to continue his education at Texas A&M University. This is one of the most respected schools in Texas. Unlike many members of his family who chose music, Jovan picked a different field. He studied Hydraulic Engineering, which deals with water systems, pipes, and managing water resources. This choice showed everyone that he wanted to create his own identity away from the family’s musical fame.
Jovan worked hard in college and completed his degree with excellent grades. His education gave him strong problem-solving skills and prepared him for a successful career in engineering.
Career Path
Today, Jovan Arriaga works as a hydraulic civil engineer. His job involves designing and maintaining water systems that help communities. He works on projects related to water supply, drainage, and flood control. This type of work is very important because it helps people get clean water and protects them from water-related problems.
Jovan also has connections to his family’s business. He sometimes helps at the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, which his mother manages. The museum celebrates Selena’s life and keeps her memory alive for fans around the world. Working there allows Jovan to honor his aunt’s legacy while maintaining his own career.
In 2017, El Salvador Magazine featured Jovan in an article. This recognition showed that people appreciate his achievements and respect the way he has created his own path in life.v

Personal Life and Relationship
Jovan Arriaga values his privacy, but he does share some parts of his life with the public. He has been in a loving 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. The couple met during their college years and have been together ever since.
Both Jovan and Mallory share similar values about education, family, and building a stable life. They occasionally post pictures together on social media, showing their happy moments at events and family gatherings. Their relationship appears strong and full of mutual respect.
In October 2022, Jovan and Mallory welcomed their son, Lincoln Arriaga. This made Jovan’s mother Suzette a grandmother and brought new joy to the Quintanilla family. The couple seems very happy with their growing family.
Physical Appearance
Jovan Arriaga stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 70 kilograms. He has dark brown eyes and black hair. Many people who knew Selena say that Jovan has a strong resemblance to his late aunt, especially when he smiles. This similarity brings comfort to his mother and other family members.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Even though Jovan comes from a famous family, he chooses to live a quiet life. He has an Instagram account with over 16,000 followers, but he keeps it private. He only shares occasional photos with close friends and family members. This shows that he prefers privacy over fame.
Jovan does not seek attention like many celebrity children do. He focuses on his career, his relationship, and spending quality time with his loved ones. He enjoys outdoor activities and maintains close bonds with his parents and extended family.
The Quintanilla Legacy
Being part of the Quintanilla family means carrying an important cultural legacy. Selena Quintanilla, known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” changed Latin music forever. She inspired millions of people before her tragic death at age 23.
Jovan’s mother, Suzette, works hard to keep Selena’s memory alive. She manages Q Productions (the family’s music company), runs the Selena Museum, and was an executive producer for “Selena: The Series” on Netflix. This show tells the story of how Selena became famous and the challenges her family faced.
While Jovan respects and honors this legacy, he has made it clear that he wants to succeed on his own terms. He chose engineering instead of music, showing that he values both his heritage and his personal dreams.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Jovan Arriaga has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2025. He earned this money through his engineering career and possibly through family investments. His mother, Suzette, has a net worth of about $3.5 million from her music and business work. The Selena estate continues to generate income and is valued at over $5 million.
Jovan’s financial success comes from his own hard work and smart decisions rather than just relying on his family’s fame. This makes him a good example of how to build a stable future through education and dedication.
Conclusion
Jovan Arriaga is more than just a famous person’s son or nephew. He is a young man who has chosen to build his own life while respecting his family’s important history. Through his education in engineering, his successful career, and his loving relationship with Mallory, Jovan shows that you can honor your roots while following your own dreams.
He lives quietly and focuses on what matters most: family, career, and personal happiness. His story teaches us that being part of a famous family doesn’t mean you have to follow the same path. You can create your own success and still make your family proud.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is Jovan Arriaga? Jovan Arriaga is 27 years old. He was born on March 5, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
2. What does Jovan Arriaga do for work? Jovan works as a hydraulic civil engineer. He studied Hydraulic Engineering at Texas A&M University and now designs water systems and works on projects related to water management.
3. Is Jovan Arriaga married? No, Jovan is not married. However, he has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith since 2019. They have a son named Lincoln, who was born in October 2022.
4. Did Jovan Arriaga ever meet his aunt Selena? No, Jovan never met Selena. She died in March 1995, and Jovan was born in March 1998, three years after her death. However, his mother says he has Selena’s smile.
5. What is Jovan Arriaga’s net worth? Jovan Arriaga’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 million. He earned this money through his engineering career and possibly through family business investments.
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