Mariana van Zeller, a renowned and acclaimed correspondent and investigative journalist, has garnered widespread recognition for her exceptional reporting and narrative abilities. As the chief host and executive producer of National Geographic's original documentary series "Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller", she leads the way in a meticulous and in-depth examination of the intricate and often perilous inner workings of the global underworld.
Mariana's illustrious career in journalism has been characterized by a plethora of distinguished honors, a resounding tribute to her extraordinary aptitude for investigative reporting and unrelenting commitment to illuminating the most pressing concerns of our time.
In the year 2016, one of her most remarkable and noteworthy investigative endeavors, aptly titled "Death by Fentanyl", was meticulously undertaken, involving a thorough and painstaking examination of the pharmaceutical and clandestine sources of the highly lethal and dangerous opioid known as fentanyl, ultimately resulting in her receiving a prestigious and highly esteemed DuPont Award.
Mariana's latest groundbreaking report, titled "Rape on the Reservation", shed light on the disturbing and often underreported phenomenon of rape and sexual violence on American Indian reservations.
Mariana's documentary, "The OxyContin Express", garnered extensive recognition for its poignant portrayal of the far-reaching consequences of prescription drug abuse and pill trafficking, resulting in a trifecta of prestigious accolades: a Peabody Award, a Television Academy Honor, and an Emmy nomination.
Mariana's earliest forays into documenting the tumultuous landscape of the Mexican drug war began in the year 2011, thereby inaugurating a prolonged and arduous journey marked by unwavering dedication and unrelenting perseverance as she sought to secure a highly coveted and elusive interview with the notorious and feared drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.
Mariana's unwavering dedication and perseverance did not ultimately lead to the desired outcome, as actor Sean Penn successfully outsmarted her and secured a highly sought-after interview with the notoriously elusive Guzman, a feat that had long been the subject of much speculation and admiration.
According to reports, Penn made a kind gesture towards Mariana by sharing with her a previously discussed topic that he had previously explored with Guzman, specifically a conversation revolving around Mariana's 2015 documentary, titled "Chasing El Chapo", in which she embarked on a daring and perilous journey to the remote and secluded hometown of the notorious drug lord El Chapo, nestled deep within the rugged and treacherous mountains of Sinaloa.
Mariana's illustrious career trajectory began with a significant appearance on the renowned Travel Channel, where she played a pivotal role as a co-host in the captivating documentary series "Breaking Borders", sharing the screen with the esteemed chef, restaurateur, and television personality Michael Voltaggio.
Mariana's remarkable journalism career began to take shape in her native Portugal, where she initially embarked on a challenging journey in the demanding world of journalism, gradually refining her skills and cultivating a reputation that would ultimately serve as a springboard for her future success.
After arriving in the United States, she took the courageous step of enrolling in the esteemed Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, a renowned institution that would provide her with the ideal environment to hone her skills and pursue her passion for storytelling.
It was during her time at Columbia University, surrounded by like-minded individuals and esteemed faculty members, that she had the opportunity to meet her future husband and producing partner, Darren Foster, with whom she would embark on a journey of personal and professional growth, ultimately achieving numerous successes that would define their careers and their relationship.
Mariana and Darren, a dynamic duo, currently call the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles their home, where they are busy nurturing their precocious young son, Vasco, amidst the radiant backdrop of the City of Angels, a place that embodies the essence of creativity, diversity, and limitless possibility.
As a testament to her remarkable linguistic prowess, Mariana boasts fluency in no fewer than five languages, including the melodic tones of Portuguese, the crisp cadence of English, the sultry rhythms of Spanish, the lyrical inflections of Italian, and the sophisticated nuances of French, a linguistic tapestry that underscores her remarkable adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering commitment to bridging the gaps between nations and communities.
Moreover, Mariana's illustrious journalism career serves as a shining testament to her unyielding dedication, unrelenting perseverance, and unwavering passion for storytelling, a profession that has allowed her to traverse the globe, to chronicle the triumphs and tribulations of individuals and societies, and to shed light on the complexities and mysteries of the human experience, all while honing her craft, expanding her horizons, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of journalism.
Please provide the biography text.
Mariana van Zeller, a highly skilled and accomplished journalist, embarked upon a distinguished professional journey in her native Portugal, thereby establishing a strong foundation for a remarkable career that would ultimately propel her to new and thrilling heights.
