Patricia Velásquez

Creativity transcends images, canvas, film and other media. It also serves as a catalyst for philanthropy, charity, and activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning model, actress, and historian as well as a committed philanthropist and activist, and an adoring mother, brings a constant creative spirit to all her endeavors, whether it's starring in blockbusters such as The Curse of La Llorona or launching Wayuu Taya Foundation, and being on the UNESCO Board. She is a natural and designs her own path with great success, making significant strides. She says, "I see my career as a long ladder." "I have taken every step. It was quite amazing to accomplish this, as there was a lot of perseverance. I just laid my head down, moved one step at a time, and then never stopped." The metaphor is very similar to an actual experience. After a few years she relocated to Venezuela. She was born in Venezuela and was raised in France and Mexico. Her parents, who were employed as educators in South America, moved her family to a cramped apartment without running water or elevators. Patricia often carried heavy buckets of water up 15 steps to get water. Between studying engineering and a rigorous dance program, she endeavored to help the family however possible. Her promise to her family was the key to her rise to the top in the fashion industry, got her sought-after to model in Milan. She recalls, "When they asked me to travel to Italy I replied"If I can send 30 dollars a month back to Venezuela and it's worth it since that would be enough to cover the whole building's water'." Patricia's success marked an important turning point in fashion when she first brought the attention of the fashion industry to South America. After becoming "the first Karl Lagerfeld model ever photographed" and then going on to star in editorial spreads as well as front ads for Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana. Her appearances in Oprah's Supermodel of the World contest and Ford Models’ "Supermodel of the World" contest had a ripple effect around the world. She also graced the covers of Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire and many other publications.