Patricia Velásquez

 Creativity goes beyond films, canvas and photos. It also spurs charitable, philanthropy, and activism. Award-winning actress, a history-making supermodel an uncompromising philanthropist, diligent activist, author, and loving mom Patricia Velasquez applies an eternal imaginative spirit to everything she does. It could be acting in blockbuster films like The Curse of La Llorona or launching the Wayuu Taya Foundation and participating on the UNESCO Board. She draws inspiration from her own instincts and develops her own path and is making huge strides. "I consider my professional life as a lengthy staircase," she says. "I have completed every step. It was incredible to do this, as there was a long-term effect. I didn't stop moving, just kept my head down. The analogy closely resembles the beginning of a new phase. Her birthplace was Venezuela and was raised in France or Mexico. After only a few years she decided to relocate to Venezuela. In South America her parents worked in the field of education. They relocated their family to an apartment complex without running water or elevators. Patricia frequently carried buckets of water over 15 steps to get water. She tried to help her family as much as possible despite pursuing engineering and intense dance classes. She was sought out to be a model in Milan and her climb to the heights of fashion was contingent on a promise to her family and friends. She recalls that she was asked to travel to Italy to model for the fashion industry. "If I could afford to send thirty dollars per month to Venezuela and it was worth it since that would provide every single drop of water in the structure." Patricia's triumph was the beginning of a new era in fashion when she brought industry attention to South America for the first time. She received a major break upon becoming "the first model Karl Lagerfeld ever photographed" and going on to walk in shows, star in editorial spreads, and front ads for Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Chloe, Cover Girl, and Victoria's Secret among several. With her worldwide fame, she appeared in Oprah as well as Ford Models' "Supermodel of the World" contests as well. She was also featured on the covers of Vogue, Bazaar, Marie Claire as well as a variety of other publications.