Patricia Velásquez

Creativity is more than films, canvas, photos, and media. It can also be an inspiration for philanthropy, charity, and activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning model, actor as well as a committed philanthropist and activist, and also a loving mom, applies an ever-increasing creative flair in everything she does whether that's appearing in blockbusters such as The Curse of La Llorona or launching Wayuu Taya Foundation, and being as a member of the UNESCO Board. She believes of intuition and a creator of her own way. "I think of my career as a lengthy staircase," she says. "I have been through every step. It was incredible to do this, because there has been perseverance. I put my head down, moved one step at a time, and never stopped." This analogy is reminiscent of a formative experience. The author was born in Venezuela however, she was raised in France or Mexico. After only two years, she made the decision to move to Venezuela. Her parents, who worked as educators in South America, moved her family to a cramped apartment without running water or elevators. Patricia often carried buckets of water up fifteen steps to supply water. She tried to help her family as much as possible despite her studies in engineering as well as pursuing a dance education. The opportunity to model was offered to her in Milan, the multi talented model's rise to the heights of the fashion world hinged on a promise made to the people she loved. She says, "When they asked me to go to Italy, I said that if I could send thirty dollars per month to Venezuela the cost is worth it in the sense that it would cover the entire building's water'." Patricia's triumph was a turning point in fashion when she brought the attention of fashion industry professionals 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 as well as front ads for Chanel as well as Dolce & Gabbana. She was also featured on Oprah's "Supermodel of the World Contest" with Ford Models. Also she appeared on the covers of Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire as well as many other magazines.