In San Berillo, Catania, neither of Arena’s parents had the opportunity to attend school, so he relied on community support and loans to afford Harvard Law. This background instilled a deep commitment to accessibility, and a life-long goal of establishing scholarships for talented, under-resourced students.

As an Overseer candidate, Arena firmly defends diversity, equity, and inclusion. Weakening DEI, he warns, would undermine Harvard’s global standing. “The path that is open for everyone is essential” Arena also advocates fiercely to protect international students, asserting they “make Harvard a better place, a more diverse place”.

Currently the managing partner of Chiomenti’s New York office and a dedicated Harvard Law School Association leader, Arena has spent decades connecting alumni across differences in race, social class, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. Colleagues praise his "human values and principles," exemplified by his on-the-ground work delivering humanitarian aid to Ukrainians. Arena's life and career demonstrate a lived commitment to ensuring Harvard remains a beacon of inclusive opportunity.