Patricia Velásquez

Creativity is more than just films, canvas and photos. It is also an engine to philanthropy, charity, or activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning model, actress, and historian who is a tireless philanthropist as well as an activist, as well as a loving mom, applies a constant creative spirit to everything she does regardless of whether she is starring in blockbusters such as The Curse of La Llorona, or launching Wayuu Taya Foundation, and taking part on the UNESCO Board. No matter what, she achieves major strides by drawing on instinct and actively paving her own path. "I consider my professional life as a long , sweeping staircase," she says. "I did every step up. It was amazing to accomplish this, because there has been perseverance. I simply laid my head down, moved one step at a time, and then never stopped." This analogy is reminiscent of an early experience. Her birthplace was Venezuela and was raised in France or Mexico. After two years, she made the decision to relocate to Venezuela. Parents who worked as educators in South America, moved her family to a cramped house without water and elevators. In order to supply water for the unit, Patricia often carried heavy buckets up 15 steps. She tried to assist her family in any way she could despite pursuing engineering and intense dance classes. She was scouted to model in Milan and her climb to the heights of fashion hinged on a promise to her family and friends. She says, "When they asked me to travel to Italy I replied"If I can pay thirty dollars per month back to Venezuela that's enough, because that will be enough to cover the whole building's water'." Patricia's achievements marked a turning point for fashion when she first brought the attention of the industry to South America. The "first modeling gig Karl Lagerfeld photographed" was an enormous breakthrough. She continued to be featured in fashion shows in front editorial spreads and was featured in advertisements for Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi. Resonating around the globe, she was a part of Oprah as well as Ford Models' "Supermodel of the World" contest as well. She was also featured on the covers of Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire as well as a variety of other publications.