Patricia Velásquez

Creativity is more than just film, photographs, and canvas. It is also an inspiration for philanthropy, charity and activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning actress, history-making model an ardent philanthropist, a fervent activist, as well as a loving mom, applies a constant creative spirit to all her endeavors, whether it's starring in blockbusters like The Curse of La Llorona, or launching Wayuu Taya Foundation, and taking part as a member of the UNESCO Board. She draws on her instincts and creates her own path and is making huge strides. "I see my work as a lengthy staircase," she says. "I made every step. It was amazing to accomplish it, because it was an ongoing process. I simply lay my head on the floor and took one step at a time. And then it was over. The metaphor is an evocation of a formative experience. After a few years she relocated to Venezuela. She was born in Venezuela and grew up in France and Mexico. In South America her parents worked in the field of education. They relocated their family into an apartment block that was without water and had no elevators. Patricia often carried heavy buckets of water up fifteen flights of stairs in order to supply water. She tried to assist her family as much as possible despite her engineering studies and intensive dance training. Scouted to model in Milan, the multi talented model's rise to the top of fashion rested on a promise she made to those she loved. She recounts, "When they asked me if I wanted to go to Italy and I said"If you could send thirty bucks per month back home to Venezuela then it's worth it, since that will pay the entire cost of water for the building's construction'." Patricia's accomplishment was an important turning point in fashion as she attracted the attention of fashion industry professionals to South America for the first time. The "first modeling gig Karl Lagerfeld photographed" was an amazing breakthrough. The model went on to appear in shows, front editorial spreads, and was featured in commercials for Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi. Resonating around the globe, she was a part of Oprah and Ford Models' "Supermodel of the World" contest , as well. She also graced the covers of Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire and numerous other publications.