Mariana Atencio knows a thing or two about being her authentic self in everyday life and when she is on camera for NBC News, MSNBC and, formerly, Univision. The Venezuelan-born journalist, who first came to the States to attend Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in 2008, is reminding Latinas everywhere to always be proud of who they are. “Everything for me is about empowering other Latinas to embrace being themselves,” the PERFECTLY YOU: Embracing the Power of Being Real author tells HOLA! USA. “I call them my GoLikeMariana tips because ultimately, what I really want is for you to be inspired to be the best version of yourself.”
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Keep reading to find out the Gracie Award and Peabody Award recipient’s top five ways to combat any insecurities you may have and to realize you are perfecta.
Build Your Team
“I’m going to come out and say it: Behind every successful woman there isn’t a tribe of successful women. It’s more a squad made up of professionals, mothers, sisters, philanthropists, dreamers, stylists, triathletes, counselors, chefs, all at once! It’s doubly hard for us, so we need to be supported by other Latinas and sisters from other groups that understand and make way for us. No one gets anywhere alone. I know I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Mami, my sister Gra, my mentor Maria Elena Salinas, Eva Longoria, Ana Navarro, Luzma Doria and so, so, so many. And that’s what motivates me to do everything I do. If I can inspire one girl/woman and create a butterfly effect, that's enough.”
Defeat the “imposter syndrome”
“It’s so common to have this constant battle with that voice inside your head that tells you that you aren’t good enough. It simply isn’t true. It’s the opposite; we have to accept all of who we are – strengths and weaknesses included – because this is where we come in contact with our grit, our resilience and what helps us slay that imposter dragon.”