Patricia Velásquez is a talented actress, supermodel, philanthropist, activist, author, and loving mother who embodies an eternal creative spirit in everything she does. Born in Venezuela, she was raised in France and Mexico before relocating back to Venezuela, where her parents worked in education. She experienced a formative experience when she had to carry heavy buckets of water up 15 flights of stairs to supply her family's apartment building.
Despite the challenges, Patricia's parents encouraged her to pursue her passions. She studied engineering and intense dance training, which helped her develop a strong foundation in creativity. When she was scouted to model in Milan, she made a promise to her family that she would send back $30 a month, which would pay for the building's water.
Patricia's success in the fashion world was groundbreaking, as she was the first model Karl Lagerfeld ever photographed and went on to walk in shows, star in editorial spreads, and front ads for top brands. She also appeared in Oprah and Ford Models' "Supermodel of the World" contest and graced the covers of numerous magazines.
Simultaneously, Patricia ignited an impressive acting career, starring in films like The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, as well as TV shows like The L Word and Arrested Development. She made her stage debut in the School of the Americas-produced play Cenizas Eternas and served as executive producer of Liz in September, earning "Best Actress, Women's Feature" at the 2015 North Carolina Film Festival.
In 2019, Patricia starred in The Curse of La Llorona, a film that is close to her heart. She has also founded the Wayúu Tayá Foundation, which preserves the culture of indigenous groups throughout Latin America by providing support and improving living conditions.
Throughout her career, Patricia has been recognized for her humanitarian work, including the 2009 Women Together Award, the 2010 Solidarity Award, the 2015 La Femme Film Festivals' Humanitarian Award, and the 2018 Visibility Award from The Human Rights Campaign. She was also appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas in Washington, D.C.
In her autobiography, Straight Walk: A Supermodel's Journey to Finding her Truth, Patricia shares her incredible career journey and her experiences as an outsider. She emphasizes the importance of creativity and how it can manifest in different ways, from art to activism to philanthropy.
Ultimately, Patricia's creativity has left a lasting impression, inspiring others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the world.
