Ariana Padilla

There is a certain comfort and excitement that comes with finding a character that makes you feel seen, and I think everyone should get to experience that, no matter what their story is.”

Ariana Padilla is a current screenwriting student at the University of the Arts. She is a multiracial, queer writer who was born and raised along the Jersey Shore. From a young age, she loved to write and tell stories.

Ariana has always enjoyed writing in any medium, whether it was a short haiku or a lengthy essay for history class. In high school, she discovered her love for the behind-the-scenes aspects of creating film and television. Through screenwriting, Ariana has found a way to combine her passion for writing with television as a medium.

While at the University of the Arts, Ariana has written a number of sketches, as well as her first feature film. Through her work, she hopes to tell impactful stories of characters that reflect her and those close to her, while bringing more representation in television to the queer, BIPOC, and disabled communities.

Aside from writing, Ariana currently serves as the DEI Officer of UArts’ Queer, Trans, Nonbinary Club and is a tour guide for UArts admissions.