ARIELA CUELLAR (she/her) is the Senior Communications Specialist at the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network. Since joining in 2021, she has led statewide campaigns to improve the health and wellness of LGBTQ+ Californians, particularly through We Breathe, a project focused on reducing LGBTQ+ tobacco-related disparities, as well as other initiatives advancing mental health equity.
Ariela leads the development of digital and print content, including social media campaigns, educational materials, and toolkits, and supports other Network programs such as OUT Against Big Tobacco Los Angeles and the LBTQ Health Equity Initiative. She has facilitated trainings such as “Communications 101” and media advocacy workshops, equipping community organizations with skills in design, storytelling, and promotion to reach partners and organizations throughout the state. Additionally, she hosts communications committees and consumer-tests educational materials across Network projects, ensuring effective outreach and engagement for diverse LGBTQ+ audiences.
Her contributions to statewide campaigns and legislative efforts have expanded access to LGBTQ+ affirming care, particularly for Trans, Gender Diverse, and Intersex (TGI) communities. Ariela also serves on various state appointments, such as the Covered California Marketing, Outreach, and Enrollment Assistance Advisory Group, advising on outreach strategies to ensure healthcare access for all Californians. Passionate about suicide prevention, Ariela’s personal experience as a survivor of suicide loss drives her advocacy and participation in the 988-Crisis Workgroup and LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health Advisory Group, where she works to improve crisis services for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Previously, Ariela worked at the Sacramento LGBT Community Center as a Community Engagement and Marketing Strategist, amplifying the Center’s mission through multimedia outreach and in-person engagement activities. A proud second-generation Salvadoran-American from Vallejo, CA, Ariela identifies as a queer Latina and enjoys supporting local drag shows, spending time with her spouse and dog, playing video games, and practicing photography. She holds a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Sociology from UC Davis.