Patricia Velasquez

Award-Winning Actress, Pioneering Supermodel, Humanitarian & Author

Patricia Velasquez

Award-Winning Actress, Pioneering Supermodel, Humanitarian & Author

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Biography

Patricia Velásquez is an award-winning actress, humanitarian, entrepreneur, transformational keynote speaker, author, and mother. Best known for her iconic roles in “The Mummy”, “The Mummy Returns”, “Arrested Development”, and “The Curse of La Llorona”, Patricia also became the first Latina supermodel gracing the covers of major fashion magazines like ‘Vogue”, “Elle”, and “Harper's Bazaar”. She has been the face of campaigns for top brands such as “Chanel” and “Cover Girl”.

Born in Venezuela, Patricia's early life was marked by resilience and purpose. Growing up in Maracaibo, she carried water up 15 flights of stairs for her family, an experience that taught her the power of determination and community. That’s when her certainty was born. This deep sense of purpose inspired her lifelong commitment to giving back, leading her to establish “The Wayuu Taya Foundation” in 2002. Founded to improve the lives of unprivileged communities across Latin America, the foundation has benefited over one million people through education, health, water access, and sustainable development programs, all while respecting their traditions and cultures.

Her humanitarian work has earned her global recognition. Patricia serves as a “UNESCO Artist for Peace” and a “Goodwill Ambassador for the Organization of American States (OAS)”. She has been honored by the “United Nations” and the “Human Rights Campaign” for her dedication to creating opportunities and improving quality of life for those in need.

As a transformational keynote speaker, Patricia shares her journey with global audiences, empowering them to move through fear with certainty, lead with courage, take action rooted in values, draw from wisdom, and create lasting change in their lives and communities. Her powerful storytelling has inspired thousands at major platforms, including “Stanford University”, “TEDx”, the “Milken Institute”, the “Clinton Global Initiative”, and many more. Patricia’s message speaks to the universal desire for growth and purpose, offering actionable steps to transform challenges into opportunities.

Patricia is also an accomplished author, sharing her journey and insights to inspire others to embrace their truth and break through limitations. Her experiences as a Latina, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a lifelong supporter of education and community development shape the authenticity and depth of her message.

Whether on stage, in front of the camera, or working directly with communities through her foundation, Patricia Velásquez lives the principles she speaks about certainty, courage, action, wisdom, and change. Her story is one of purpose, resilience, and a commitment to empowering others to lead with heart, authenticity, and confidence.

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Speech Topics

Leading with Certainty in Uncertain Times: How Inner Certainty Creates Grounded Action in Times of Transition & Challenge

Change is a constant personally, professionally, and across entire cultures. But in the face of it, many people lose their center. They chase stability by doing more, trying harder, or making decisions rooted in fear instead of clarity. Real change - the kind that lasts and aligns - doesn’t come from reacting. It comes from staying grounded in what matters and choosing to move forward with courage and intention.

In this powerful keynote, Patricia Velásquez draws from her extraordinary life story.

From a childhood in Venezuela to international recognition as a model, actress, and humanitarian, she offers a personal and practical framework for moving through change with courage and integrity.

With authenticity, presence, and lived wisdom, she helps audiences reconnect with their inner certainty and move forward with intention, even when the way ahead is unclear. When individuals lead from this place of alignment and conviction, they unlock not only a deeper sense of fulfillment, but the clarity and conviction to become unstoppable in pursuit of what once felt impossible.

By the end of this keynote, audiences will be able to:

Shift their perspective on change from disruption to purposeful growth
Learn to stay rooted in their values when the path forward is unclear
Build courage to take aligned action—even without guarantees
Gain tools to navigate transition without losing their sense of self
Walk away with clarity, confidence, and a renewed connection to purpose

Resilience & Perseverance

Patricia Velásquez embodies resilience in its purest form. Rising from poverty in Venezuela to global success as a supermodel, actress, and humanitarian, she shows how certainty, courage, and wise action transform obstacles into opportunities. Her story equips audiences with practical tools to persist, adapt, and thrive in times of disruption.

Women’s Leadership & Authenticity

As the first Latina supermodel to achieve global recognition, Patricia is a trailblazer who knows the challenges women face in pursuing leadership and visibility. She empowers audiences to embrace authenticity, find certainty in their voice, and lead with courage. Her story resonates with women’s leadership conferences and corporate women’s initiatives alike.

LGBTQ+ & Identity

Patricia is one of the first openly gay Latina supermodels, and she speaks candidly about the power of authenticity and belonging. Her journey of embracing her truth demonstrates how courage and self-certainty unlock both personal freedom and inclusive cultures. She inspires audiences to live authentically and lead with integrity.

Purpose & Impact

As founder of The Wayúu Tayá Foundation, Patricia shows what it means to align leadership with service. She teaches that purpose isn’t a distraction from performance — it’s the driver of resilience, engagement, and legacy. Audiences walk away with a deeper understanding of how to connect profit with purpose.

Entertainment & Culture

From The Mummy films to Arrested Development, Patricia brings star power and storytelling prowess to the stage. She blends entertainment with substance, leaving audiences inspired, energized, and ready to create the change only they can.

Testimonials

"Patricia has an incredible ability to light up a room and inspire not just the people in it, but entire communities and cultures. Patricia does what no one else has—she bridges worlds with her passion, authenticity, and relentless commitment to making a difference."

- CORE Response Founder

"Standing on stage, Patricia speaks passionately on behalf of those who are often voiceless, bringing the struggles and triumphs of indigenous peoples to the forefront. I am confident that through her leadership, we will continue to advance their rights, preserve their rich cultures, and uphold their traditions. Her dedication ensures that these communities receive the recognition, dignity, and opportunities they so rightfully deserve."

- Department of Social Inclusion, Director - OAS

"From the moment Patricia Velásquez participated in the Ford Supermodel of the World contest, her strength, grace, and authenticity set her apart. Watching her grow into a true supermodel and then use her platform to inspire young girls has been incredibly rewarding. She continues to inspire and uplift everyone around her, especially the next generation of young women."

- Founder of Ford Models

"Patricia is passionate and demonstrates a relentless commitment to motivating young people in their search to find their place in society and within their families."

- Managing Director - Universidad de Monterrey