Patricia Velásquez

Creativity transcends the boundaries of film, canvas, photographs, and media. It also spurs charitable, philanthropy, and activism. Award-winning model, actress, and history-making supermodel and philanthropist who is a staunch supporter, conscientious activist, author, and loved mom 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 is a natural and creates her own path and is making huge strides. "I think of my career as a long staircase," she says. "I made every step. It was amazing to be able to do so, because there's been endurance. Simply put my head down , and took one step at a time. And then, it was over. The metaphor is an evocation of an experience that was a formative one. Born in Venezuela but educated in France and Mexico and then moved to Venezuela after a handful of years. Parents who were employed as teachers in South America, moved her family into a cramped home without water and elevators. Patricia often carried large buckets of water up 15 flights of stairs in order to get water. Between engineering studies and a rigorous dance program she tried to assist the family in any way that was possible. The opportunity to model was offered to her in Milan, the multi talented model's rise to the heights of the fashion world was contingent on a promise made to the people she loved. She recalls being asked to travel to Italy to model for the fashion industry. "If I could just send thirty dollars per month to Venezuela and it was worth it since that would pay for all the water that is in the building." Patricia's success was the turning point in fashion when she first brought the attention of fashion's industry to South America. Her biggest break came after becoming "the first model Karl Lagerfeld ever photographed" and going on to walk at shows, take part in editorial spreads and front ads for Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Chloe, Cover Girl, and Victoria's Secret among just a few. Her fame spread across the globe. she appeared on Oprah and Ford Models' "Supermodel of the World" contest as well. She also graced the covers for Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire and a host of other magazines.