About
Starla Sampaco is a Filipino-American on-camera host, Forbes columnist, and keynote speaker with a background in TV news.
Previously, Starla anchored the news for Seattle’s PBS station (1.67M weekly viewers), covered Washington state politics as a legislative reporter, and hosted a daily technology news program. Today, she leverages her journalism experience to translate complex issues into accessible content that engages both digital and in-person audiences.
Organizations like Microsoft, AT&T, and SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management) hire Starla as on-camera talent for live events and scripted content. As a speaker and corporate event host, Starla has shared stages with notable figures such as President Bill Clinton and Janet Jackson.
Watch Starla's speaking reel
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​Throughout her career, Starla has often been an "only" — the only woman, the only person of color, or the only millennial (the youngest) — in the room. Navigating these power dynamics taught her the importance of not only advocating for herself, but also for others who aren’t in the room. She now channels that energy into content, conversations, and campaigns that celebrate inclusion, elevate underrepresented voices, and support systemic change.
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Starla’s writing and videos have appeared in Forbes and Harvard Business Review, where she explores themes of self-advocacy, leadership, and professional visibility. As an extension of this work, she taught graduate students at the University of Washington Communication Leadership Master’s Program, where she developed a course on communication strategy and self-advocacy as an adjunct faculty member.
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Starla is based in New York City. Outside of work, she enjoys cuddling her rescue dog (follow Dorito on Instagram), rewatching The Wire, creating silly memes, and trying to convince her partner that their household needs a second dog.
Speaking Reel
Speaking Services
Drawing from more than a decade in the media industry, Starla's keynotes and corporate workshops cover self-advocacy, professional visibility, and the importance of taking up space (especially for women and professionals of color).
Starla’s speeches are customized for each audience. In past talks, her audiences have learned how to:
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internalize and amplify their value,
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grow their perceived credibility,
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promote themselves (without being disingenuous or "too salesy"),
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pitch themselves for growth opportunities, and
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navigate workplace power dynamics.
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Additionally, she is available to moderate panel discussions and emcee conferences as a corporate event host . View Starla's hosting/emceeing reel here.
