Patricia Velásquez

Creativity is more than just films, canvas and photos. It also inspires charity or philanthropy as well as 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 an unwavering creative drive in everything she does whether that's appearing in blockbusters such as The Curse of La Llorona or launching the Wayuu Taya Foundation, and being as a member of the UNESCO Board. Regardless, she makes major steps by drawing upon her instincts and actively paving her own path. "I consider my professional life as a long staircase," she said. "I have taken every step. It was incredible to do this, since there is a sense of determination. I just put my head downand moving one step at a time, and then never stopped." The metaphor is very similar to a formative experience. In the following years she relocated to Venezuela. She was born in Venezuela and was raised in France and Mexico. Her parents, who worked as educators in South America, moved her family to a cramped apartment with no water and no elevators. Patricia often carried large buckets of water over 15 steps to supply water. She tried to help her family as much as possible despite pursuing engineering and a rigorous dance program. Being scouted for modeling in Milan, the multi-talented artist's climb to the top of the fashion world was contingent on a promise she made to those she loved. She recounts, "When they asked me whether I wanted to travel to Italy I replied"If you're able to send thirty dollars a month back home to Venezuela then it's worth itas it will pay for the entire building's water costs'." Patricia's success was a major moment in fashion as she brought attention to South America for first time. She received a major break when she became "the first model Karl Lagerfeld ever photographed" and going on to walk in shows, star in editorial spreads and front ads for Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Chloe, Cover Girl, and Victoria's Secret just to mention a few. Her appearances on Oprah's Supermodel of the World contest as well as Ford Models’ "Supermodel of the World" contest were a hit across the globe. She also graced the covers for Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire as well as a variety of other publications.