Mariana Atencio

Mariana Atencio is a Peabody Award–winning journalist, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and speaker whose TEDx talk on authenticity ranks among the most viewed of all time. After immigrating to the United States from Venezuela, she turned her experience of feeling different into a global message: embracing authenticity unlocks personal and professional potential. Mariana built an acclaimed journalism career as an anchor and correspondent for Univision, Fusion, and NBC News, reporting worldwide on migration, human rights, and social issues. Her investigative and field reporting earned major honors, including Emmy nominations and industry awards. Author of Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real, Mariana now leads her own media production company, hosts the hit podcast Lost in Panama, and delivers keynote speeches and moderates events around the world, helping audiences navigate change, build meaningful connections, and lead with confidence and purpose through the power of authentic storytelling.