Born and raised in Lima, Peru as a child Silvia Vasquez-Lavado endured a period of sexual violence that would haunt her for much of her adult life. Nearly 30 years later, while attending a meditation retreat in Peru, she had a vision of reconnecting to her inner child and the two of them walking in a valley surrounded by mountains. This propelled her to journey through the Himalayas and reach the base of Mount Everest. It was a revelation –“The shadow of the mountain was the only thing big enough to swallow my shadow.” Silvia developed a sense of resilience, strength, compassion – and finally rediscovered her courage.
“She began to feel healed. And she kept climbing.”
Another epiphany came in 2013, when, after losing her mother to cancer and undergoing a divorce, she summited Aconcagua and realized that she had to help others. “I had this voice again that said, ‘You have to continue.”
So Silvia Vasquez-Lavado founded Courageous Girls, a non-profit group dedicated to helping victims of sexual violence find their own sense of peace and closure through trekking. She decided to turn survivors into empowered people by helping them find that inner strength within themselves, knowing from her own experience how difficult that can be when wrestling with shame.
In 2016, Silvia Vasquez-Lavado climbed Everest, and two years later completed all the Seven Summits, becoming the first openly gay woman to do so. Being sandwiched between the Himalayas on either side felt like being held by the mountains. Nothing ever made her feel so safe and so terrified at the same time. The experience was one of sublime vulnerability and mutual compassion between her and the mountains.
Now, Silvia Vasquez-Lavado is a humanitarian and compassionate social entrepreneur driven to rouse vulnerable populations by providing alternative solutions & methods for empowerment, education and advancement.
Silvia Vasquez-Lavado book, In The Shadow of the Mountain, is her remarkable story of heroism and community, one which awakens in all of us a lust for adventure, gratitude for the strong women in our lives, and faith in our own resilience.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Jack Becker, a former naval fighter pilot turned performance speaker, is one such individual. His life story is a remarkable narrative of courage, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. In this speaking profile, we will explore the incredible life and work of Jack Becker, delving into his background, his experiences as a naval fighter […]
Football coach, former player, and sports speaker Urban Meyer is currently the Ohio State University football head coach. Before joining the Buckeyes, Urban was coach at Bowling Green State University, University of Utah, and the University of Florida until his retirement at the end of the 2010 season. While with the Gators, he coached the […]
Jim Kelly is a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who spent his entire NFL career as a Buffalo Bill. His hallmark as a player was his toughness. Jim is considered one of the elite quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League. He led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls in […]
With a remarkable career spanning across two of the most influential platforms in the digital world, Jon Youshaei stands as a luminary figure in the realms of marketing and content creation. Recognized by Inc Magazine as the individual who has “cracked the code to going viral,” Jon’s journey has been nothing short of exceptional. Having […]
Lisa Ling is the executive producer and host of This is Life with Lisa Ling on CNN. Lisa explores the scourge prescription pill addiction in Utah, the recent influx of women in North Dakota’s boomtown and a town in the rural Midwest where young men aspire to be priests. For five seasons prior, Ling executive produced and […]
Mark Schulman, a former drummer for P!NK, is a multifaceted talent. Renowned for his exceptional musicianship, electrifying stage presence, and astute business acumen, Schulman is more than a performer; he’s a strategic thinker who translates his stage success into remarkable business achievements. With a unique blend of musical prowess and entrepreneurial insight, Schulman delivers captivating […]
Maria Elena Salinas is an award-winning journalist, trailblazing media personality, and inspirational keynote speaker with nearly four decades of experience at the forefront of American journalism. Celebrated as “The Voice of Hispanic America,” Maria Elena has earned the trust of millions with her unwavering dedication to truth, cultural representation, and advocacy for underrepresented communities. Her […]
Ginger Hardage is a distinguished thought leader in workplace culture, leadership, and corporate communications. As the former Senior Vice President of Culture and Communications at Southwest Airlines, she played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most admired corporate cultures in the world. With over 25 years of experience as a key member of […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
