Patricia Velásquez

Creativity transcends canvas, photos, film, and media. It also spurs charitable or philanthropy as well as activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning actress, history-making model an ardent philanthropist, a fervent activist, and a mother who is devoted to her children, brings an insatiable creative energy to all her endeavors regardless of whether she is starring in blockbusters like The Curse of La Llorona, or launching Wayuu Taya Foundation, and serving on the UNESCO Board. Whatever the case, she takes huge steps by drawing upon her instincts and consciously paving her own path. "I see my work as the length of a staircase," she said. "I have taken every step. It was amazing to do so, because there's been a lot of longevity. I lay my head down, moved one step at a time, and then never stopped." The analogy closely resembles the beginning of a new phase. She was born in Venezuela and was raised in France or Mexico. After two years, she made the decision to relocate to Venezuela. Her parents, who worked as educators in South America, moved her family into a cramped, cramped residence with no water and no elevators. Patricia frequently carried buckets of water up fifteen flights of stairs in order to supply water. She tried to assist her family in any way she could, despite studying engineering as well as pursuing a dance education. She was scouted to be a model in Milan and her ascent to the heights of the fashion ladder depended on a promise she made to her loved ones. She recalls saying, "When they asked me whether I wanted to travel to Italy and I said"If you can pay thirty dollars a month back home to Venezuela, it will be worth it since that will cover the whole building's water bills'." Patricia's achievement was a major event in fashion since she was able to draw attention to South America for first time. Her "first modeling gig Karl Lagerfeld photographed" was a huge break. Her next step was to be featured in fashion shows, front editorial spreads, as well as in commercials for Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi. She was also featured on Oprah's "Supermodel of the World Contest" by Ford Models. Not to mention she appeared on the covers of Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire and many others.