Mariana Atencio: Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage
Mariana Atencio has built her career around one core belief: authenticity creates trust, connection, and lasting impact. In a time when audiences and organizations are drawn to what is real, her work speaks directly to the human side of leadership and culture. Her breakthrough TEDx talk, What Makes YOU Special?, became a global phenomenon, translated into 13 languages and viewed more than 25 million times. The talk positioned Mariana Atencio as a sought-after keynote speaker on authenticity, purpose, and belonging.
Her keynotes challenge leaders to rethink conformity and self-doubt. Rather than hiding differences, Mariana shows how embracing them becomes a blueprint for thriving in fast-changing environments. Her message resonates across industries because it is rooted in lived experience and delivered with clarity, warmth, and conviction.
From Immigrant Story to Global Stages
Born and raised in Venezuela, Mariana Atencio left her home country amid political unrest and arrived in the United States on a scholarship to Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Like many immigrants, she initially tried to fit in as she built her career. Over time, she realized that success came when she leaned into her own story instead of suppressing it.
That personal journey became the foundation of her bestselling memoir, Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real. The book chronicles her path from self-doubt to self-trust and inspires audiences to unlock the power of their own experiences. When organizations book Mariana Atencio for their event, they gain a speaker who connects deeply through storytelling that feels honest, relevant, and empowering.
Award-Winning Journalism and Global Perspective
Mariana built her journalism career first at Univision in Spanish and later crossed over to English-language reporting at NBC News. Her boots-on-the-ground coverage of immigration, natural disasters, women’s rights, and cartel violence earned her a Peabody Award, a Gracie Award, three Emmy nominations, and the NAHJ Presidential Award.
Her reporting took her to the front lines of global events in places such as Haiti, China, and the Syrian border. She has conducted in-depth interviews with world leaders, business executives, and cultural icons. This global perspective allows Mariana Atencio to bring nuance and credibility to conversations about leadership, resilience, and change.
Keynote Speaker, Host, and Trusted Moderator
Today, Mariana Atencio brings her journalistic rigor and stage presence to live and virtual events around the world. As a keynote speaker, she delivers engaging talks that inspire action and reflection. As an event host and moderator, she has interviewed heads of state, Fortune 100 CEOs, and global changemakers.
She is known for being unflappable on stage, seamlessly guiding conversations on innovation, artificial intelligence, economic growth, and other complex topics. Her ability to listen, ask the right questions, and create meaningful dialogue makes her a trusted presence for high-profile events.
Entrepreneur, Storyteller, and Community Builder
Beyond the stage, Mariana Atencio is an entrepreneur who founded her own media company and created the hit podcast Startup Series: Latam, spotlighting breakthrough entrepreneurs from the Global South. The project reflects her commitment to representation, opportunity, and global storytelling.
She is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute and serves on the board of the future Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, D.C. These roles underscore her lifelong dedication to elevating voices and building community through stories that matter.
Book Mariana Atencio for Your Event
Whether delivering a keynote, moderating a leadership panel, or hosting a purpose-driven conversation, Mariana Atencio brings intelligence, preparation, and signature warmth to every engagement. Her presence elevates events and leaves audiences inspired to lead with authenticity and courage.
If you are looking to book Mariana Atencio for your event, you will gain a speaker who connects deeply, challenges thoughtfully, and makes your message memorable.