Mariana Atencio is a Peabody Award-winning journalist, bestselling author of ‘Perfectly You’, media entrepreneur, and regular host/moderator. As the founder of GoLike Media, she is committed to helping individuals, teams, and businesses manoeuvre change and challenges by encouraging originality and leadership. Mariana champions the message what makes you different, makes you different.
Achieving a BA in communications from Universidad Católica Andres Bello, followed by an MA in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia University, Mariana has had an illustrious career in journalism and media. She began as a multimedia reporter for El Diario/La Prensa, moving through various news anchor and correspondent roles at Univision Communications Inc., Fusion Media Group, NBC, and Microsoft. She founded GoLike Media in 2020, a female-run content organisation, serving as the producer and host of the hit true crime podcast series ‘Lost in Panama’.
Her journalism has earned her various honours and awards, such as the Peabody Award, Gracies Award, Latino Issues Award, an Emmy Nomination, Columbia University’s First Decade Award, and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Presidential Award. Alongside her reporting, Mariana is a Teleton Ambassador, a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute, as well as a Board Member of Voto Latino and the National Museum of the American Latino, the latter of which she is also a spokesperson for. Mariana is the author of ‘Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real’, diving into her journey to authenticity and how that can be used as a force for good.
A passionate and empowering thought-leader, Mariana inspires audiences worldwide with her global impact. In her smash TEDx talk ‘What Makes You Special’ in 2017, she homes in on belonging, self-awareness, empathy and inclusion, dialogue and understanding, and our shared humanity. She recently delivered a keynote for Flex Technology Group, interacting with top figures in the field of healthcare. Mariana works to inspire leaders and groups to thrive despite uncertainty, disruption, and self-doubt, placing authenticity at the forefront, particularly in the coming age of AI.
Mariana Atencio's official speaking topics are listed below:
- The Power of Being Perfectly You
- Transformative Leadership: Building Trust Through Authenticity
- Communicating Confidently - Cut Through the Noise and Get Heard
- Moderating/Interviewing/Hosting
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"Mariana was powerful on stage, engaging, thought-provoking, and the perfect speaker for our flagship global annual conference held in Miami. She was such a pleasure to work with that she ended up interviewing and moderating two very critical panels for the agenda. Mariana’s experience and professionalism will make any company that chooses to work with her look great.” - Director, Marketing Communications Head, Citi Private Bank
"For the last two years, Mariana has been the host of AT&T's annual Hispanic Heritage Month events, celebrating employees’ authenticity and contributions toward the customers and communities we proudly serve. Mariana brings employees’ stories to life through her unique engagement and connection with our team while creating a welcoming, energetic, and memorable atmosphere. Her dynamic stage presence, storytelling, and facilitation skills have positively impacted our events and attendees. We appreciate her commitment to amplifying our brand’s values as well as her partnership and collaboration in delivering unique experiences that support our mission of connecting people to greater possibilities.” - Chief Strategy and Development Officer, AT&T Inc
"Absolutely blown away by Mariana’s captivating energy and unparalleled ability to engage with the audience. Her speech not only hit the mark but soared beyond expectations, leaving everyone inspired and eager for more! She is a force to be reckoned with.” – Manager, Ford Motor Company
- 2022 – Producer and Host, ‘Lost in Panama’
- 2021 – Spokesperson and Board Member, National Museum of the American Latino (current)
- 2020 – Founded GoLike Media
- 2020 – Board Member, Voto Latino
- 2020 – On Air Host, Microsoft
- 2019 – ‘Perfectly You: Embracing The Power of Being Real’ published
- 2019 – Presidential Award, National Association of Hispanic Journalists
- 2019 – Emmy Nominee, News & Documentary Emmy Awards
- 2016 – National Correspondent, NBC News
- 2015 – Ambassador, Teleton
- 2015 – Latino Issues Award
- 2014 – The Gracies Award, Alliance for Women in Media
- 2013 – Peabody Award
- 2013 – Anchor/Correspondent, Fusion Media Group
- 2011 – News Anchor and Correspondent, Univision Communications Inc.
- 2009 – Multimedia Reporter, El Diario/La Prensa
- 2009 – MA, Broadcast Journalism, Columbia University, Graduate School of Journalism
- 2008 – BA, Communications, Universidad Catolica Andres Bello
How to hire Mariana Atencio
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Mariana Atencio for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
