Mariana Ruano

Biography

Mariana Ruano graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a master’s degree in student affairs and higher education administration. She started her career as an admissions advisor at Northeastern Illinois University. Since then, Mariana has worked with both college and high school students and their families by providing expert content knowledge regarding career pathways, major choice, professional development, as well as experiential learning opportunities for a rich, meaningful college experience.

Prior to Carthage, Mariana served as a regional assistant director of college counseling with the Schuler Scholar Program, which provided college access support to scholars and families in the northern suburbs of Illinois. Additionally, as a first-generation college student, Mariana participated in and later managed the TRIO/Talent Search Federal Program at two Chicago public high schools.

As an avid traveler, Mariana found her passion to learn about different cultures through study abroad programs. While at Roosevelt University, she traveled to Belize, where she studied marine biology and the ecology of the second-largest reef in the world. During graduate school, Mariana studied global leadership at the Loyola University Felice Rome Center.

Born and raised in Guatemala, Mairana values the importance of developing cultural competencies and multilingualism. She speaks Spanish, Italian, and is currently learning Brazilian Portuguese through a self-guided app.

Mariana brings a unique perspective to The Aspire Team by offering students a distinct perspective regarding interdisciplinary education and equipping students with the necessary skills and tools to explore their academic and professional interests. Most importantly, Mariana inspires students to find their own passion and true calling in life.