Patricia Velásquez

Creativity goes beyond the photographic, canvas or film, as well as the media. It can also be the catalyst for philanthropy, charity and activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning model, actress, and historian as well as a committed philanthropist and activist, and also a loving mom, applies a constant creative spirit to all her endeavors whether that's appearing in blockbusters like The Curse of La Llorona, or launching Wayuu Taya Foundation, and taking part as a member of the UNESCO Board. She is a strong believer in intuition and a pioneer in her own direction. "I consider my professional life as a long staircase," she said. "I have taken every step up. It was incredible to accomplish it, because there's been a lot of longevity. I simply put my head down and moved one step at a time. Then, it was done. This metaphor is a close resemblance to the beginning of a new phase. The woman was born in Venezuela but was raised in France or Mexico. After several years she decided to move to Venezuela. In South America, her parents worked in education before moving the family into a crowded apartment building with no running water and no elevators. Patricia often carried heavy buckets of water for 15 flights of stairs in order to get water. Between her studies in engineering as well as dance training, she did her best to assist the family by any means she could. She was selected to be a model in Milan and her climb to the top of the fashion ladder was contingent on a promise to her family and friends. She remembers telling her, "When they asked me if I wanted to go to Italy I replied"If you're able to send 30 bucks a month home to Venezuela, it will be worth it, since that will pay the entire cost of water for the building's construction'." Patricia's achievements were a major event in fashion as she brought attention to South America for first time. Following her becoming "the first Karl Lagerfeld model ever photographed" and then going on to appear in editorial spreads as well as advertisements for the front of Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana. The world was abuzz with her presence, she was featured on Oprah as well as Ford Models' "Supermodel of the World" contest , as well. She also appeared on the pages of Marie Claire, Bazaar and Vogue.