Who am I?
I am Ariana Garcia, a proud first-generation college student passionate about mentorship, service, and empowering underrepresented communities.
Throughout my college years, I have served in several leadership roles. One of my biggest successes on campus has been joining Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Inc. I currently serve as the Secretary and Sisterhood chairs and have been able to showcase my skills through my organization.
I am also the current Vice-President for MCGC (Multi-Cultural Greek Council) on campus, where I have served the members of the Greek organizations at Indiana University-Indianapolis.
Other Roles:
Pre-PA (Physician Assistant) Club Secretary
Girl Gains Event Coordinator
Medical Scribe at Eskenazi Health ED
Professionalism is more than dressing well or speaking properly—it’s about being accountable, dependable, and respectful in every setting. It means showing up prepared, being receptive to feedback, and staying true to your values while collaborating with others. My experience in this skill has not been linear, but I am grateful for my mistakes as they had led me to take initiative and lead when needed.
My Journey
My professional identity has been shaped by every leadership role, internship, and team I've joined. From volunteering at my church to interning at the IU School of Medicine to leading in MCGC and Gamma Phi Omega, I’ve learned how to navigate spaces where I didn’t always see people like me—and now, I strive to be that representation for others. My main goal as I work to become a PA is to shed light to those who are often unseen and take lead for those voices who remain unheard.
As Vice President of the Multicultural Greek Council (MCGC), I support and collaborate with culturally-based sororities and fraternities across campus. I serve as a liaison between member organizations and university leadership, help coordinate programming, and ensure that MCGC’s goals of unity, advocacy, and representation are upheld. I facilitate meetings bi-weekly, promote accountability among chapters, and take an active role in strategic planning and event execution.
This leadership role taught me how to balance diplomacy and decision-making, advocate for my peers, and think critically about equity and inclusion. I’ve also learned how to navigate conflict professionally and lead by example.
As Secretary of Gamma Phi Omega, I am responsible for managing chapter records, maintaining clear communication within the sorority, and ensuring organizational transparency. I take detailed meeting minutes, managed calendars and correspondence, and assist with planning chapter activities.
This role has strengthened my ability to stay organized under pressure and to communicate effectively across different teams and personalities. I learned how crucial documentation and clear timelines are for keeping a chapter running smoothly.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that growth takes time, and that’s okay. I’ve learned how to advocate for myself, set boundaries, ask for help, and lean into discomfort when it leads to growth.
My passion for mentorship, representation, and education comes from my lived experiences. Being a first-gen student means navigating unknown territory, and that’s what makes me so passionate about helping others feel seen and supported.