Mariana Batista

Mariana Baptista is a proud Air Force spouse originally from Brazil and currently based in Southern California. She studied Advertising and Marketing and built her career in graphic design, working with startups and small businesses.

After relocating to the United States, Mariana pivoted toward her long-standing passion for baking. She is now preparing to launch a home-based bakery that blends classic Brazilian flavors with her own creative twist.

As a military spouse, Mariana has navigated the challenges of frequent moves and career transitions. She joined the Dog Tag Fellowship to gain the tools and confidence to formalize and grow her bakery into a sustainable business—one that can adapt and thrive alongside her family’s Air Force journey.

She hopes to deepen her business knowledge, connect with a supportive community, and create meaningful impact through her baked goods. Her favorite baked treat is bolo de mandioca—a Brazilian sticky yucca cake with shredded coconut that reminds her of home and offers others a sweet introduction to her culture.