Patricia Velásquez

Creativity goes beyond canvas, photos and film. It also inspires charity as well as philanthropy and activism. Award-winning actress, history-making supermodel, a fervent philanthropist, a conscientious activist author, mother of two. Patricia Velasquez applies an eternal creativity to everything she does-whether it be starring in blockbuster films like The Curse of La Llorona or launching the Wayuu Taya Foundation and participating in the UNESCO Board. She relies on her intuition and makes her own way with great success, making significant strides. "I look at my career as a long staircase," she says. "I have taken every step to the top. It was remarkable to do this, since there was a long-term vigor. I wasn't able to stop moving. just kept my head down. The analogy closely resembles the moment of formation. Born in Venezuela but raised in France and Mexico She moved to Venezuela after a handful of years. In South America, her parents were employed in the field of education. They then moved the family into an crowded apartment that had no running water and no elevators. Patricia carried fifteen flights of stairs up with heavy buckets in order to provide water to the apartment. She tried to help her family in any way she could, despite studying engineering and intense dance classes. The commitment she made to her family, which was the key to her rise to the top in the fashion industry, led to her being sought out to model in Milan. She recalls saying, "When they asked me whether I would like to travel to Italy, my answer was"If you're able to send thirty dollars a month back home to Venezuela then it's worth it, since that will cover the entire cost of water for the building's construction'." Patricia's triumph was a turning point in fashion as she attracted media attention to South America for the first time. In the wake of becoming "the first Karl Lagerfeld model ever photographed" after which she proceeded to be featured in editorial spreads and front ads for Chanel as well as Dolce & Gabbana. The world was abuzz with her presence, she appeared on Oprah and Ford Models' "Supermodel of the World" contests as well. She was also featured on the covers for Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire as well as a variety of other publications.