Patricia Velásquez

The creative process extends beyond the photographic, canvas as well as film and other media. It can also be the catalyst for charity, philanthropy and activism. Patricia Velasquez, an award-winning model, actor who is a tireless philanthropist as well as an activist, and mother of two, brings a constant creative spirit in everything she does regardless of whether she is starring in blockbusters such as The Curse of La Llorona or launching the Wayuu Taya Foundation, and being on the UNESCO Board. She believes in intuition , and a pioneer in her own direction. She states, "I see my career as a ladder." "I completed every step. It was amazing to accomplish this because it is a sense of determination. I put my head down, moved one step at a time, and did not stop." The metaphor directly resembles an experience that is forming. She was born in Venezuela however, she was raised in France or Mexico. After only several years she decided to move to Venezuela. In South America her parents worked in education. They moved their family into an apartment block with no water and inoperable elevators. Patricia often carried large buckets of water over 15 flights of stairs in order to provide water. Between engineering studies and intense dance lessons she tried to assist the family in every way. The commitment she made to her family was the crucial factor in her rise to the top of the fashion industry, got her sought-after to model in Milan. She relates that she was asked to travel to Italy to model for the fashion industry. "If I could send thirty dollars per month to Venezuela that would be worth it because that will be enough to cover the cost of all the water used in the building." Patricia's success was an important moment in fashion when she first brought the attention of fashion's industry to South America. After being "the first Karl Lagerfeld model ever photographed" after which she proceeded to feature in editorial spreads and advertisements for the front of Chanel as well as Dolce & Gabbana. Her appearances in Oprah's Supermodel of the World contest and Ford Models’ "Supermodel of the World” contest resonated across the globe. In addition that she graced the pages of Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire, and many others.