OVERVIEW
The Los Angeles County Office of Education Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Conference invites Los Angeles County leaders to come together for a day of networking, professional and personal growth and learning and to share accomplishments, stories and experiences.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Maria Atencio
Peabody Award-Winning Journalist, Bestselling Author, Media Entrepreneur, Inspiring Storyteller and Host/Moderator
Authenticity is magnetic in a world of uncertainty. Mariana Atencio exemplifies this quality, inspiring people and organizations to embrace what makes them unique and to build genuine trust, connection and purpose. Her viral TEDx talk, “What Makes YOU Special?” (25 million views, 13 languages), delivers the message that our differences are our greatest strengths.
Her journey from Venezuela to the U.S. was marked by a struggle to fit in, but her career soared when she embraced her individuality. Her bestselling memoir, Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real, encourages others to unlock their own stories’ power.
She built her journalism career at Univision and NBC News, reporting on immigration, natural disasters and women’s rights. Her work has earned a Peabody, a Gracie, three Emmy nominations and the NAHJ Presidential Award. Mariana’s interviews span global leaders and cultural icons.
Today, Mariana brings her journalistic skill and warmth to global stages, moderating and hosting for top organizations and interviewing heads of state, Fortune 100 CEOs and changemakers. She engages audiences on topics from innovation to global growth with insight and ease.
Mariana is an entrepreneur with her own media company and created the hit podcast Startup Series: Latam to spotlight breakthrough entrepreneurs from the Global South.
Whether she’s delivering a keynote, moderating a CEO panel or leading a purpose-driven conversation, Mariana Atencio is at ease with her role. Her blend of intelligence, preparation and signature warmth helps to elevate events and make them memorable.
Born in Venezuela, Mariana came to the U.S. on a scholarship to Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism. She is a Henry Crown Fellow and serves on the board of the upcoming Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, reflecting her lifelong commitment to storytelling, representation and community.
REGISTRATION
Registration is closed.
If you have any questions, please contact LACOE Events Coordinator Naime Laskar.
WORKSHOPS
Please view all workshops being offered so you can plan your participation accordingly. There is no pre-registration for workshops; therefore, if your first choice is at capacity, have a backup option to attend.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2025 WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
We invite you to celebrate, elevate and invest in a one-of-a-kind Women's Conference. Our sponsorship levels provide diverse ways to promote your brand and connect with leaders across Los Angeles County.
To discuss your support and ways to get involved, please contact Kerry Franco at kfranco@glaef.org
CONNECT WITH US
Naime Laskar
Events Coordinator
laskar_naime@lacoe.edu