Patricia Velásquez

Creativity goes beyond films, canvas and photos. It also spurs charitable social action, philanthropy, as well as activism. Award-winning actress, history-making supermodel an uncompromising philanthropist, diligent activist writer, author, and mother of two. Patricia Velasquez applies an eternal creative spirit to everything she does. Whether it's appearing in blockbusters a la The Curse of La Llorona or launching the Wayuu Taya Foundation and participating in the UNESCO Board. No matter what, she achieves major steps by drawing upon her instincts and deliberately paving her own pathway. She says, "I see my career as a ladder." "I have completed every step. It was amazing to be able to do this, as there has been longevity. I was never able to stop moving, just kept my head down. This metaphor is reminiscent of an experience that was a formative one. The woman was born in Venezuela, but she was raised in France or Mexico. After two years, she made the decision to move to Venezuela. In South America, her parents worked in education before moving the family into a crowded apartment that had no water and inoperable elevators. Patricia often carried heavy buckets of water for 15 flights of stairs in order to provide water. Between her engineering studies and dance training, Patricia did her best to assist the family in any way she could. Being scouted for modeling in Milan, the multi-talented artist's ascent to the top of fashion rested on a promise she made to those she loved. She remembers, "When they asked me to travel to Italy, I said, 'If can send thirty dollars a month back Venezuela, it's worth it, because that will be enough to cover the whole building's water'." Patricia's achievements were a major event in fashion as she brought attention to South America for first time. Her "first model Karl Lagerfeld photographed" was an amazing breakthrough. She went on to appear in fashion shows in front editorial spreads and to be featured in commercials for Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi. She was also featured in Oprah's "Supermodel of the World Contest" sponsored by Ford Models. She also graced the covers for Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire and numerous other publications.