Patricia Velásquez

Creativity goes beyond canvas, photos, film, and media. It could also serve as the catalyst for charity and philanthropy and activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning model, actress, and historian who is a tireless philanthropist as well as an activist, and mother of two, brings an ever-increasing creative flair to everything she does whether it's in blockbusters such as The Curse of La Llorona or launching Wayuu Taya Foundation, and taking part as a member of the UNESCO Board. She is a strong believer in intuition , and a pioneer of her own path. "I look at my career as a huge staircase," she says. "I took every single step. It was amazing to do so, as there has been longevity. I was never able to stop moving, just sat with my head down. The metaphor closely resembles a formative moment. She was born in Venezuela but was raised in France or Mexico. After only two years, she made the decision to move to Venezuela. In South America, her parents were employed in the field of education. They then moved the family into a crowded apartment without water or elevators that worked. Patricia carried fifteen steps up using heavy buckets to provide water to the area. Between her studies in engineering and dance training, Patricia was determined to assist the family in any way she could. The opportunity to be a model in Milan and her ascent to the heights of the fashion world was contingent on a promise to her loved ones. She remembers telling her, "When they asked me whether I would like to travel to Italy to model, I responded"If you can pay 30 bucks a month home to Venezuela, it will be worth it since that will pay the entire cost of water for the building's construction'." Patricia's achievements were a major change in fashion since she was able to draw attention to South America for first time. Her biggest break came after becoming "the first model Karl Lagerfeld ever photographed" and was then able to walk in shows, be a part of editorial spreads, and front ads for Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Chloe, Cover Girl, and Victoria's Secret to name a few. Her appearances on Oprah's Supermodel of the World contest as well as Ford Models’ "Supermodel of the World" contest was a huge hit around the world. She also appeared on the front covers of Marie Claire, Bazaar and Vogue.