Thursday, November 12
Lunch and Keynote Speaker
Mariana Atencio, Peabody Award-Winning Journalist
Perfectly You: Leveraging the Power Within
Everywhere we look, the world pressures us to perform, conform, and be perfect – often at the expense of being true to ourselves. But the truth is, when we show up authentically, we become magnetic and unlock greater resilience, confidence, and purpose. Authenticity not only helps us navigate change and uncertainty. It attracts opportunities and relationships that align with who we really are.
Mariana Atencio’s unique energy and interactive dynamics give people permission to drop the masks and discover the bold power of being “Perfectly You.” Through inspiring stories and practical takeaways, you will learn how to embrace what makes you irreplaceable and tap into authenticity as a source of strength and well-being to give your best at work and in life. You will leave energized, empowered, and ready to stand out – not by trying to be perfect, but by having the courage to be real.
Mariana Atencio Biography:
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 before coming to the U.S. on a full scholarship to Columbia University, where she completed her master’s in broadcast journalism. She began her career at Univision, where her investigative reporting earned major honors, including a Peabody and IRE Award. She later hosted Fusion’s The Morning Show and co-anchored the 2016 Democratic presidential debate.
Mariana transitioned to NBC News as a national correspondent, gaining recognition for her immersive, empathetic reporting. Her work has earned three Emmy nominations, a Hillman Prize, and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Presidential Award. She has reported from regions including Haiti, the Syrian border, and China, and interviewed global figures such as Pope Francis, President Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi.
Her work has been featured on HBO’s Habla, and she received Columbia University’s First Decade Award. A Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute, Mariana also launched the hit true crime podcast Lost in Panama, highlighting the issue of missing women and girls in the region.