Assistant Director for bridges Multicultural Resource Center
Ariyana Tavakoli (she/her) is thrilled to join the bridges Multicultural Resource Center as Assistant Director. A proud product of San Bernardino in Southern California, Ariyana’s passion for community advocacy is deeply rooted in her Iranian-American background. Having navigated the challenges of immigration and xenophobia from a young age, Ariyana developed a strong sense of compassion for underserved immigrant communities. Ariyana began her journey of higher education at Santa Monica College (SMC), studying International Development and serving as outreach coordinator for student government. She also worked as a Youth Development Specialist with the Boys & Girls Club of Riverside, addressing student needs during COVID-19. In 2022, Ariyana transferred to UC Berkeley, where she earned a B.A. in Political Economy with a focus on International Financial Development. While at Berkeley, she held leadership roles within the Middle Eastern North African Recruitment and Retention Center (MENARRC) and the Iranian Students Cultural Organization (ISCO), advocating for transfer students and resource allocation for underrepresented groups. After graduating, Ariyana worked in educational fundraising, class-action data analysis, and program management for advocacy and workforce development initiatives. Ariyana’s philosophy is to equip students with personalized tools to navigate challenges, prioritize their well-being, and celebrate their journey in higher education. She finds joy in the work of uplifting others, and looks forward to fostering an inclusive environment that supports both academic and personal success.