Communications Specialist

Ariela Cuellar (she/her) joined the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network in January, 2021. As the Communications Specialist at the Network, Ariela works on several statewide campaigns to assist with improving the health and wellness among LGBTQ+ Californians. Ariela supports the Network’s project We Breathe and has led the creation of various educational materials on tobacco cessation, assisted in designing the Policy Platform and has created video projects to uplift We Breathe’s mission to reduce LGBTQ+ tobacco-related disparities.

Ariela also supports with creating digital content for the Network’s #Out4MentalHealth program and has led “Communications 101” trainings for #O4MH task forces to better support their advocacy efforts and build organizational capacity. Ariela is very passionate about creating communications content that is rooted in social justice advocacy and that represents the identities of all folks under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.

Statewide, Ariela leads with organizing and disseminating all communications for the Network’s annual CA LGBTQ Health and Human Services Convening which brings together over 200 LGBTQ+ community leaders from across California who are dedicated to improving the health and wellness of their communities. Ariela was recently appointed to the Covered California Marketing, Outreach, and Enrollment Assistance (MOEA) Advisory Group for a two year membership term. In this role, Ariela will be working alongside key professionals and stakeholders who provide input to the Covered California Board and staff on critical issues related to Covered California’s efforts to assure as many Californians as possible are aware of and use its services.

Prior to joining the Network, Ariela was the Sacramento LGBT Community Center’s Community Engagement and Marketing Strategist, where she helped amplify the Center’s mission, services and programs through multi-media outreach and by leading tours of the Center to community members, donors and stakeholders.

Ariela grew up in Vallejo, CA and is a proud second generation Salvadoran-American. She identifies as latine, queer, femme, leo sun, taurus moon, gemini rising, and a dog mom. In her spare time she can be found supporting local drag shows, spending time with her fiance and emotional support animal, playing video gaymes and practicing photography. Ariela received her B.A. in Communications with a minor in Sociology from the University of California, Davis.