Mariana Atencio

Navigating change and uncertainty is difficult—especially without a strong sense of identity. When Mariana Atencio moved to the United States from Venezuela as a young girl, she struggled to fit in. Her widely viewed TED talk shares that journey and delivers a powerful message: what makes you different is what makes you special—embrace it to unlock your potential. Mariana carried that lesson into a distinguished journalism career as a national news anchor and correspondent. Known for her storytelling and global perspective, she has reported from around the world, earning numerous accolades, including a Peabody Award. Her bestselling book, Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real , encourages people to harness authenticity to strengthen relationships, careers, and workplace culture. Today, she leads her own media production company and is a sought-after keynote speaker, moderator, and host. Originally from Caracas, Mariana earned her journalism degree from Universidad Católica b