Patricia Velásquez

Creativity is more than the boundaries of film, canvas, photographs, and media. It also catalyzes charity as well as philanthropy and activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning actress, history-making model an ardent philanthropist, a fervent activist as well as mother of two, brings an insatiable creative energy to all her endeavors, whether it's starring in blockbusters like The Curse of La Llorona or launching Wayuu Taya Foundation, and taking part on the UNESCO Board. She draws on her instincts and makes her own way and is making huge strides. "I see my work as a lengthy staircase," she says. "I have completed every step. It was truly amazing to do this, as there has been longevity. I wasn't able to stop moving. just kept my head down. This metaphor is reminiscent of a formative experience. After a couple of years, she moved to Venezuela. She was born in Venezuela and grew up in France and Mexico. In South America her parents worked in education. They relocated their family into an apartment that was without water and had no elevators. To provide water for the apartment, Patricia often carried heavy buckets up 15 flights of stairs. In between studying engineering and intense dance lessons and work, she was determined to help the family in every way. She was sought out to be a model in Milan and her rise to the top of the fashion ladder depended on a promise she made to her loved ones. She recalls saying, "When they asked me if I wanted to go to Italy and I said"If you can pay thirty bucks per month back home to Venezuela the cost will be worth itas it will pay for the entire building's water costs'." Patricia's triumph was an important turning point in fashion as she attracted the attention of fashion industry professionals to South America for the first time. Her biggest break came after becoming "the first model Karl Lagerfeld ever photographed" and was then able to walk in shows, appear in editorial spreads, and front ads for Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Chloe, Cover Girl, and Victoria's Secret to name several. Her appearances in Oprah's Supermodel of the World contest as well as Ford Models’ "Supermodel of the World” contest resonated all over the world. She was also featured on the covers for Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire and a host of other magazines.