Patricia Velásquez

Creativity goes beyond canvas, photos and film. It could also serve as an inspiration for philanthropy and charity as well as for activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning model, actress, and historian who is a tireless philanthropist as well as an activist, and also mother of two, brings a constant creative spirit in everything she does, whether it's starring in blockbusters like The Curse of La Llorona, or launching Wayuu Taya Foundation, and being on the UNESCO Board. She believes in her intuition and is a pioneer of her own journey. She says, "I see my career as a ladder." "I took every step. It was remarkable to achieve that, given that it was an ongoing process. Simply put my head down , and moved one step at a time. And then it was done. The metaphor closely resembles the beginning of a new phase. The author was born in Venezuela but raised in France and Mexico after which she moved to Venezuela after just a few years. In South America, her parents worked in education , and then relocated their family to a cramped apartment without plumbing and no elevators. To supply water for the apartment, Patricia often carried heavy buckets on fifteen steps. Between her engineering studies and dance training, Patricia was determined to assist the family by any means she could. The commitment she made to her family was the most important factor that helped her rise to the top in the fashion world, saw her being scouted for modeling in Milan. She relates that she was invited to visit Italy to model for the fashion industry. "If I could just send thirty dollars per month back to Venezuela that would be worthwhile because it will cover every single drop of water in the building." Patricia's achievements marked an important moment in fashion when she brought attention from the fashion world to South America for the first time. Following her becoming "the first Karl Lagerfeld model ever photographed" and then going on to star in editorial spreads and advertisements for the front of Chanel as well as Dolce & Gabbana. Resonating around the globe, she appeared in Oprah and Ford Models' "Supermodel of the World" contests as well. She also graced the covers for Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire and numerous other publications.