Ariana Ettedgui | Honor Society®

About

As a first-generation college student with a passion for learning and giving back, I aspire to build a meaningful career in International Business. My multicultural background, shaped by my Mexican and Moroccan-Jewish heritage, has instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity and inspired my goal of fostering connections across cultures.

I take pride in excelling academically, earning good grades while engaging in a wide range of extracurricular activities. As President of the Spanish Honor Society and Latino Student Union, I’ve led initiatives that celebrate cultural heritage and promote inclusivity. My leadership in DECA and Harvard’s Girls with Impact program has further sharpened my business and marketing skills. These experiences, coupled with over 140 hours of volunteer work with organizations like Inova Health, have taught me the value of community service and shaped my commitment to making a difference.

With a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed, I am determined to support my post-secondary education through scholarships and hard work. My goal is to create innovative solutions that benefit businesses and communities, leaving a lasting impact while honoring my roots and paving the way for future generations.

Education

Edison High School

2021 – 2025

Honors and awards

1st place

1st Place for DECA State Leadership Conference in Sports and Entertainment Marketing Sports and Team Decision Making
Seal of Biliteracy

Recieved Seal of Bilieteracy in Spanish
academic achievement award

Academic Letter and Pin for maintaining a GPA above 3.75
ICDC Qualifier (DECA)

Qualified for DECA International
certificate of recognition

Business Plan Recognition for the Harvard Girls with Impact Program
dual enrollment student

Dual Enrollment (DE) Student, taking English and Entrepreneurship DE for two consecutive years.
certificate of recognition

Certified in Customer Service and Sales by the NRF Foundation
national honors society

Member of the National Honor Society, Former Junior National Honor Society
High Honor Roll

Honor Roll Student
spanish honor society

President of Spanish Honor Society

Goals and interests

Career goal

I’ve always been drawn to subjects like business, language, culture, history, and math because they help me understand the world from different perspectives. I enjoy exploring how people and ideas connect across borders and how businesses and governments interact from a global perspective. That’s why I’m interested in career paths ranging from international marketing to diplomacy—fields where I can combine these interests and make an impact on a larger scale.

I enjoy learning about how cultures shape interactions, how history influences the present, and how language bridges gaps between people. At the same time, math has taught me how to think critically and solve problems, skills that are valuable no matter what I career path I pursue. Whether it’s analyzing data for marketing strategies or negotiating agreements between nations, I see myself thriving in a role that challenges me to think creatively and strategically.

Both international marketing and diplomacy excite me because they combine my curiosity about the world with the opportunity to work on meaningful projects. Marketing would let me help businesses connect with global audiences, while diplomacy would allow me to foster understanding and collaboration between cultures. In any case, I want to build a career that lets me grow personally while contributing to something bigger than myself.

For now, I’m keeping an open mind as I explore my options and not settling on just any career, but I know I’m most passionate about connecting people, solving problems, and making an impact—whether in a boardroom, at a negotiation table, or anywhere in between.

Outside the classroom

I have a wide range of hobbies that reflect my passions and creativity. I love playing soccer, a sport that challenges me physically and mentally while teaching teamwork and resilience. I enjoy exploring art and design, especially through marketing and rebranding projects, where I can bring ideas to life. Cooking and baking are also favorite pastimes, allowing me to connect with my multicultural roots by creating dishes that celebrate my Mexican and Moroccan-Jewish heritage.

In my free time, I enjoy watching documentaries about different cultures and histories, fueling my curiosity and expanding my global perspective. Spending time with my dog, Oreo, is another joy, as she brings comfort and balance to my life. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors, connecting with others, or diving into creative projects, my hobbies help me grow and stay grounded.

Experience

intern

Marketing and Entrepreneurship Intern at Clarity within Therapy. Developing innovating solutions to real world problem within a local community. As well as promoting and advocating for Womens Mental Health. Creating a safe space for women and helping develop a local business.

Jun 2024 – Jan 2025
dog sitter

Self-Employed Dogsitter, to dogs in the community. Provide loving and responsible care for dogs when their owners are away. This role includes feeding, walking, and exercising the dogs, as well as ensuring their safety and comfort in a familiar environment. With a keen understanding of canine behavior and strong communication skills, creating a nurturing atmosphere, allowing pet owners to enjoy their time away with confidence that their furry friends are well cared for.

Jun 2020 – Jan 2025
entrepreneur

Self-Employed Entrepreneur. I started a business promoting natural and healthy beauty that emphasized your natural beauty. Started and funded the business on my own and made sales via my own marketing techniques. Learning real life skills and knowledge at a young age.

Mar 2020 – Aug 2021
caregiver

Self-Employed Caregiver, to locals in the community. Responsible for providing attentive and nurturing care to children in a safe and stimulating environment. Supervising playtime, preparing meals, assisting with homework, and ensuring the overall well-being of the children. With strong communication skills and a friendly demeanor, I fosters a positive and engaging atmosphere, allowing parents to have peace of mind while they are away.

Jan 2019 – Jan 2025

Volunteering

The Latino Student Union (LSU) held a potluck on Thursday, October 24, 2024. The potluck helped collect funds for the 2024-25 school year. These funds are essential for LSU, so that they are able to continue representing and sharing about the Latin American culture within our school and community. The potluck contained and shared cultural food as well as a movie that showcased Latin American culture. As I reflect on the LSU potluck event, I am proud to have been part of an initiative that not only celebrated Latin America culture but also raised essential funds for the upcoming school year. It was inspiring to see how a shared meal, filled with diverse and delicious cultural dishes, could bring people together and foster a sense of community. The movie that was showcased added to the event's purpose, highlighting the richness and vibrancy of Latin America heritage. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to LSU’s mission, and it’s rewarding to know that even a small donation can make a significant difference in allowing us to continue representing and sharing this culture within out school and community.

Edison High School Latino Student Union

Oct 2024
Inova's annual "Honors" event is a prestigious philanthropy gathering that celebrates the organization's commitment to advancing healthcare and innovation. As a leading health organization, Inova uses this event to raise crucial funds that support their ongoing research and development initiatives. "Honors" provides an opportunity for Inova to showcase the exceptional work of their health departments, highlighting cutting-edge projects and future goals. Through this event, attendees gain insight into Inova's vision for the future of healthcare, while directly contributing to the impactful work that improves the lives of countless individuals and communities. Attending and volunteering at Inova's annual "Honors" event was a deeply rewarding experience. With nearly 400 attendees gathered to support Inova's groundbreaking work, the energy in the room was palpable. As part of the event team, I had the opportunity to help welcome guests and navigate them to where they needed to be. Guiding attendees through the evening’s agenda and ensuring they felt comfortable and engaged gave me a unique perspective on the sense of community that Inova fosters. It was incredible to see people come together in such large numbers, united by the goal of advancing healthcare and making a lasting impact. As I helped guide guests through the event, I couldn’t help but feel proud to play a small part in facilitating an experience that celebrated Inova’s mission and the transformative work they are doing.

Inova Health Organization

Sep 2024
Freshman Orientation is an essential event designed to help incoming students navigate their first year of high school with confidence. During the orientation, students are guided through the school to find their classes, meet their teachers, and get familiar with the campus layout. With the support of upperclassmen and staff, freshmen receive helpful tips and answers to their questions, ensuring they feel prepared and excited for the school year ahead. This event is all about making new students feel welcome, easing any anxieties, and helping them start their high school journey on the right foot. Reflecting on Freshman Orientation, I’m reminded of how important it is to make new students feel welcomed and supported. With a warm smile, I greeted each freshman, helped them find their classes, and introduced them to their teachers. It was fulfilling to see their nerves ease as they became more comfortable with their surroundings. I remember being in their shoes not too long ago—feeling nervous and unsure about high school—but knowing that everything would eventually fall into place. As a senior, I was glad to offer advice and share my experiences with them, helping to set them up for a successful school year. From navigating the hallways to balancing schoolwork and activities, I wanted them to know they’re not alone in this journey. Seeing their confidence grow by the end of the day reassured me that they’re on the right path, and I’m proud to have played a part in making their transition to high school a little smoother.

Edison High School Leadership

Aug 2024
Welcome to Eagle Soar, our school’s exciting annual event where students can discover and explore the wide range of clubs and activities available this school year! Whether you’re looking to dive into new hobbies, enhance your academic experience, or connect with fellow students who share your passions, *Eagle Soar* is the perfect opportunity. Meet club leaders, learn more about each organization, and find your niche within our vibrant school community. Come ready to engage, ask questions, and kick off the school year with new opportunities and friendships! Reflecting on the Eagle Soar event, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment in the role I played as president of both the Spanish Honor Society and the Latino Student Union. Knowing how crucial it was to recruit new members for these organizations, I put a lot of effort into planning and executing our involvement in the event. I helped plan activities, set up our table, and worked closely with our volunteers to ensure everything ran smoothly during the two-hour event. I also directed students to our table, encouraged sign-ups, and made sure our clubs left a lasting impression. Our hard work paid off, as we not only attracted a great number of new members but also saw a 70% increase in social media engagement. This boost in visibility is a promising start to what I hope will be a successful and impactful year for both the Spanish Honor Society and the Latino Student Union. The event was more than just about numbers; it was about building a stronger community and ensuring these organizations continue to thrive and make a difference.

Edison High School Latino Student Union

Aug 2024
Lag B'Omer celebration. Chabad hosts its Lag B'Omer celebration every year when the holiday lands in the spring/summer time. Lag B'Omer marks the 33 day of the omer counting down till Shavuot. It's a holiday where we recognize that god is everywhere, even outside. That's why we emphasize and celebrate the outdoors. Growing up Lag B'Omer was a special time for me because I got to celebrate it with my family at Chabad as well. That's why I hope I make it just as special of remembrance for someone else who is a part of my Jewish community.

Chabad of Fairfax

Jun 2024
Chabad, also known as Chabad-Lubavitch, is a worldwide Jewish movement that seeks to promote Jewish life, learning, and spirituality. Rooted in the teachings of Hasidism, Chabad aims to reach out to every Jew, regardless of background or level of observance, and help them connect to their Jewish heritage. Chabad centers, found in communities around the globe, offer a wide range of services including religious education, holiday celebrations, and social support, all designed to foster a deep sense of Jewish identity and community. At the heart of the Chabad movement is the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, also known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The Rebbe is revered as one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century, known for his wisdom, compassion, and tireless dedication to the Jewish people. His teachings continue to inspire millions, and his vision of Jewish unity and outreach remains the driving force behind Chabad's global efforts. In honor of the Rebbe's memorial, the Chabads of Greater Washington came together to commemorate his legacy. As part of this tribute, they invited renowned Jewish singer Shulem Lemmer to perform, bringing the community together in a heartfelt celebration of the Rebbe's enduring influence. This event served not only as a remembrance of the Rebbe's life but also as a reaffirmation of the values and traditions he championed, continuing his mission to uplift and inspire every Jew. Reflecting on the recent memorial for the Rebbe, I felt deeply honored to be a part of the event, contributing in small but meaningful ways. Helping set up the auditorium, checking people in, directing guests, and assisting with cleanup gave me a profound sense of purpose. It was emotional to be involved in such a significant moment, remembering a role model who had such an immense impact on our community and the broader Jewish world. As I worked alongside others, I felt like I was giving back to an organization that has given me so much over the years. Chabad has always been a source of inspiration, guidance, and connection for me, and being able to contribute to this event in memory of the Rebbe felt like a way to express my gratitude. Standing there, proud of my Jewish identity and the legacy of the Rebbe, I was reminded of the strength of our traditions and the importance of continuing his mission.

Chabad of Fairfax

Jun 2024
AVID Sign in Night is a special event for AVID students at Twain Middle School to commemorate the hard work these students have put in and are likely to continue in high school. Avid sign-in night is a milestone event for the Mark Twain Middle Schoolers. It is an event where most of the community comes and supports their students. I volunteered in hopes of making it just a bit more special for AVID students and giving back to my middle school community.

Mark Twain Middle School

Apr 2024
Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday that celebrates the Jewish people's salvation from Haman's plot in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther. Central to the holiday are traditions like reading the Megillah, wearing costumes, giving food gifts, charity, and sharing a festive meal. It's essential to preserve these traditions and pass them down through the generations, helping our children understand their significance. One cherished tradition is baking Hamantaschen, a triangular cookie symbolizing Haman's hat. To honor this, Chabad of Fairfax organized a Hamantaschen bake, where children not only learned how to make these treats but also discovered the deeper meaning behind this beloved custom. Reflecting on Purim, I’m reminded of the deep importance of preserving and passing down our traditions to each generation. Helping set up the room, check in families, and help kids keep the hamantaschen tradition going. One of the most meaningful customs we have is baking Hamantaschen, those delicious triangular cookies symbolizing Haman's hat. As a child, I remember the excitement and joy of making them with my family, learning not just the recipe but the story and significance behind it. It's a tradition that connects us to our history and keeps the spirit of Purim alive. Seeing the children at Chabad of Fairfax now learning to bake Hamantaschen fills me with a sense of continuity and pride. It’s more than just teaching them to make a treat; it's about instilling in them the values and stories that have sustained our people for generations. Watching their faces light up as they shape the dough and listen to the tale of Esther reminds me of the importance of these moments. It’s a tradition I cherished as a child, and I’m grateful to see it continue with such enthusiasm and love.

Chabad of Fairfax

Mar 2024
Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther. Traditions include reading the Megillah, wearing costumes, sharing food gifts, giving to charity, and enjoying festive meals. To honor this vibrant holiday, Chabad of Fairfax hosted a themed celebration centered around Israel, the Holy Land. This year’s festivities featured Israeli-inspired activities, traditional food, lively music, and family-friendly celebrations, all following the Megillah reading. These Purim event always takes lots of help. It was an honor to be able to help especially this year for our Israel themed Purim celebration. I help transform the Local JCC gym into our home away from home. Setting up tables for about 100 people, set up catering, assemble stations for activities, and help manage children safety in a play area. Purim has always held deep religious significance for me, not only as a celebration of the Jewish people's survival but as a time to reflect on the power of faith and unity. Over the years, this holiday has created countless cherished memories—moments of joy, laughter, and connection with my community. From the thrill of dressing up in costumes to the warmth of sharing food and stories with loved ones, each Purim has reinforced my sense of belonging and tradition. This year, as we gathered at Chabad of Fairfax with Israel as our theme, I felt a profound connection to both our history and our future. The celebrations, the music, the food—all of it reminded me of the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped my own spiritual journey. My hope is to give back to this community, to share those treasured memories, and to help create new ones for others. Purim isn't just a holiday for me; it's a reminder of who we are, where we've come from, and the joy of continuing these traditions together.

Chabad of Fairfax

Mar 2024
Inova's Meet Santa Volunteer is an annual event that happens during the holiday times. Volunteers get the opportunity to be Santa's helpers. Helping kids write letters to Santa and giving Inova teddy bears away in the holiday spirit. This is the first year Inova holds its "Inova's Meet Santa Volunteer." It is an amazing experience and something people will remember. Apart from the marketing it does for an incredible non-profit it also makes an impact on the community. It allows children to create memories that will last forever. As a personal reflection, it's incredible to know I made an impact positively in my community.

Inova Health Organization

Dec 2023
The Winter Wonderland event is an annual Inova event. It's where volunteers help and donate their time to wrapping holiday gifts for low-income families. Over two weeks, I volunteered 20 hours wrapping gifts for a low-income family. Throughout the year it can be difficult for low-income families to provide for their family, let alone offer gifts during the holiday. Through the process, I've learned the virtues of patience and gratitude. That every gift is important and that every gift is special to someone.

Inova Health Organization

Nov 2022 – Dec 2024
I help manage Edison Junior Varsity Girl Soccer. I help the coaches by filming games, setting up drills, bringing equipment and soccer balls back, helping them with leadership, etc. I try to help out the girls by giving them any advice I have on improving on soccer like a technique or even just in there personal life. Being Manager mean I must always come prepare. I learned a lot at Edison's Girls Junior Varsity Soccer practice. I learned new techniques and leadership skills when at practice. I also learn new management techniques that help me become a better person. I get to help the girls practice so they can become their best selves on the field, and I get to learn more about the beautiful sport of Soccer.

Edison Junior Varsity Girl Soccer Managing

Feb 2022 – Jun 2022

Languages

English (US) Fluent
Spanish Fluent
French (France) Fluent
Hebrew Intermediate
Arabic Beginner

Additional information

Organizations

chabad (opens in a new tab)
latino student union
key club

About

Education

Edison High School

Honors and awards

1st place

Seal of Biliteracy

academic achievement award

ICDC Qualifier (DECA)

certificate of recognition

dual enrollment student

certificate of recognition

national honors society

High Honor Roll

spanish honor society

Goals and interests

Experience

intern

dog sitter

entrepreneur

caregiver

Volunteering

Languages

Additional information

chabad (opens in a new tab)

latino student union

key club