Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real

In this much-needed book, which is part self-help and part autobiography, award-winning correspondent Mariana Atencio digs into what makes each of us special and the ways in which we can become a force for good in a broken world.

As a bilingual correspondent for NBC News, Fusion TV, and Univision, Mariana holds a unique perspective--having immigrated from Venezuela to America as a young adult, having overcome challenges to graduate from Columbia University and eventually become a national news correspondent, and having seen firsthand the humanity that is ever so present in the midst of both adversity and opportunity.

Mariana's story is the powerful, inspiring story of life in the United States as an immigrant. Yet it is at its core a human story. It is all of our stories, and it is a call to every man, woman, and child to unlock the magic of their potential and begin to thrive.

The media screens of today perpetuate stereotypes, but what would happen if instead of comparing ourselves and falling short, we compared ourselves and celebrated our uniqueness? What would happen if we believed in our worth and embraced what makes us different? And what if we truly saw those around us as neighbors and not merely adversaries to our particular group or station?

The days of doubt and division must end. It starts with authenticity, persistence, and understanding what truly makes you special.

Mariana Atencio is a journalist, TED speaker, influencer, and award-winning news personality covering domestic and international assignments, breaking news, and special reports. As a first-generation Latina who fled violence and oppression in her native Venezuela, she crossed over from Spanish- to English-language television. Known for her tenacious reporting, she has been named one of the top young voices in American newsrooms, and her awards include the Peabody Award for Investigative Journalism, the Gracie Award, and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists "Latino Issues" Award.