Hi, I’m Ariana Vargas.
I’m a professional speaker, filmmaker, and founder who believes stories can change the way we see ourselves and each other.
My talks explore hope, belonging, leadership, identity, and human connection. As a social impact documentarian, I draw from years of interviewing hundreds of people about the parts of their lives we’re often taught to hide, along with my own experiences, to create conversations that are deeply human and memorable.
My goal is to help people leave feeling seen, challenged, and a little more capable of believing that what they do next matters.
Previous speaking clients and events include
One of the proudest moments of my speaking career came when I stood onstage at TEDxPortland in front of 4,000 people telling a deeply personal story about my son.
Whether I’m standing on a conference stage delivering a keynote or speaking virtually to Employee Resource Groups during months of recognition, my goal is to model vulnerability so that people feel empowered to share their stories, think differently, and leave feeling more connected to themselves and each other.
At the heart of my work is a simple idea: when people feel seen, heard, and valued, something becomes possible that wasn’t possible before.
Keynote Speaking
I approach panel moderation the same way I approach a great interview: do the homework, ask thoughtful questions, listen closely, and create space for people to reflect in real time to ideas that shift perspectives.
I work with conference organizers to understand their goals, with panelists to learn what they hope to share, and then create conversations that feel natural and inclusive. I believe the best panels are those that make the audience feel like they were part of an important moment and inspire them to take action after they leave.
Panel Moderation
Creating environments that allow people to shine is one of the most enjoyable parts of my career. Conference organizers and fireside chat subjects have worked incredibly hard by the time we reach the day of a public event. When an organization puts their trust in me, I see it as my responsibility to deliver an experience that honors the work that has come before it.
Whether I’m interviewing introducing guests, hosting a fireside chat, or emceeing an all-day event, my goals are the same. I care deeply about creating a sense of belonging in the room, facilitating emotional connections between the audience and the stage, and leaving everyone who attends the event with new perspectives on topics they care about.
Fireside Chats + Event Emcee
