Patricia Velásquez

Creativity extends beyond the photographic, canvas or films, and into the media. It could also serve as the catalyst for philanthropy and charity as well as activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning model, actor, staunch philanthropist and conscientious activist, and a mother who is devoted to her children, brings an ever-increasing creative flair to all she does whether it's in blockbusters such as The Curse of La Llorona or launching Wayuu Taya Foundation, and being as a member of the UNESCO Board. She is a natural and designs her own path, making great strides. "I see my work as an endless staircase," she said. "I have taken every step. It was incredible to accomplish it, because there's been a lot of longevity. Simply put my head down , and took one step at a time. And then it was done. The metaphor directly resembles the experience of forming. The author was born in Venezuela but growing up in France and Mexico, she relocated to Venezuela after just a few years. Parents who worked as teachers in South America, moved her family to a cramped apartment without running water or elevators. Patricia often carried heavy buckets of water up fifteen steps to provide water. She tried to help her family as much as she could despite pursuing engineering and intensive dance training. The pledge she made to her family members, which was the crucial factor in her rise to the top of the fashion industry, saw her being sought out to model in Milan. She recalls that she was asked to travel to Italy by the fashion industry. "If I could pay thirty dollars per month back to Venezuela and it was worthwhile because it will pay for all the water that is in the structure." Patricia's success was an important moment in fashion when she first brought the attention of fashion's industry to South America. Her "first modeling gig Karl Lagerfeld photographed" was an incredible breakthrough. She went on to appear in shows and front editorial spreads as well as in advertisements for Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi. Her appearances on Oprah's Supermodel of the World contest as well as Ford Models’ "Supermodel of the World" contest were a hit around the world. Elle also graced the covers for Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire and numerous other publications.