Patricia Velásquez

Creativity transcends images, canvas, film and other media. It can also be an inspiration for philanthropy, charity and activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning actress, history-making model as well as a committed philanthropist and activist, and also an adoring mother, brings an unwavering creative drive to everything she does regardless of whether she is starring in blockbusters like The Curse of La Llorona or launching Wayuu Taya Foundation, and serving as a member of the UNESCO Board. She is a natural and develops her own path and is making huge strides. "I view my career like the length of a staircase," she said. "I did every step to the top. It was amazing to be able to do so, because there was a long-term effect. I simply put my head down , and took one step at a time. Then it was over. The metaphor closely resembles the beginning of a new phase. The woman was born in Venezuela however, she was raised in France or Mexico. After just a few years she decided to move to Venezuela. In South America her parents worked in education. They moved their family into an apartment that was without water and had no elevators. To ensure that water was available for the unit, Patricia often carried heavy buckets of water up 15 levels of stairs. She tried to help her family as much as she could despite pursuing engineering and a rigorous dance program. She was scouted to be a model in Milan and her climb to the top of fashion was based on a promise made to her loved ones. She says, "When they asked me to go to Italy I responded"If I can send 30 dollars a month back Venezuela, it's worth it in the sense that it would pay for the whole building's water'." Patricia's success was an important moment in fashion when she first brought the attention of fashion's industry to South America. In the wake of becoming "the first Karl Lagerfeld model ever photographed", she went on to be featured in editorial spreads and front ads for Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana. Her appearances on Oprah's Supermodel of the World contest and Ford Models’ "Supermodel of the World" contest had a ripple effect around the world. She also appeared on the cover of Marie Claire, Bazaar and Vogue.