Silvia Vasquez-Lavado: Inspiring GBV

    • Highlights:
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: Miami, FL
    • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

    Keynote Topics

    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

    Silvia Vasquez-Lavado | GBV Speaker

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    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.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    View further speakers

    • (14)
    Tyler Cohen Wood

    Tyler Cohen Wood is a globally recognized expert in cybersecurity and digital intelligence, captivating audiences with her profound insights into navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. With a career spanning decades in top-tier government and private sector roles, Tyler has earned her place as a trusted authority in protecting sensitive information, combating cyber threats, and fostering […]

    • Travels from: Washington, DC
    • Cybersecurity Speakers
    • (65)
    Aileen Lee

    Aileen Lee is the founder of Cowboy Ventures. She partners at the earliest stages with enterprise and consumer-oriented startup teams to build products customers love, and to help teams build aspirational companies. She has over two decades of experience starting at seed stage and staying involved for many years beyond. Prior to Cowboy, Aileen spent […]

    • Travels from: Palo Alto, CA
    • Innovation Speakers
    • (34)
    Erica Dhawan - Image 09 (April 13, 2026)

    Erica Dhawan is a globally recognized authority on 21st-century teamwork, collaboration, and innovation—helping organizations unlock the power of connection in an increasingly digital world. Named among the world’s top 50 management thinkers by Thinkers50, she is a sought-after keynote speaker, advisor, and bestselling author who equips leaders and teams with the tools to communicate, collaborate, […]

    • Travels from: Tampa, FL
    • Communication Speakers
    • (55)
    Daniela Amodei - Image 01 (February 19, 2026)

    Daniela Amodei is a pioneering leader in artificial intelligence safety, governance, and responsible innovation. As President and Co-Founder of Anthropic, she stands at the forefront of developing advanced AI systems designed to be reliable, interpretable, and aligned with human values. With a career rooted in operational excellence and policy engagement, Daniela has played a critical […]

    • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • (8)
    Toto Wolff  - Image 01 (March 24, 2026)

    Toto Wolff is the Team Principal & CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team and one of motorsport’s most influential leaders. An Austrian investor and entrepreneur with experience in international GT racing, Wolff blends elite sport insight with rigorous business discipline. Under his stewardship, Mercedes achieved an unprecedented run of success: eight straight Constructors’ Championships […]

    • Travels from: Vienna, Austria
    • Motor Racing Speakers
    • (13)
    Merit Kahn Sales Speaker

    Merit Kahn, CSP, a keynote speaker on sales transformation, bringing over two decades of expertise to stages around the globe. As the CEO of SELLect Sales Development, she has dedicated her career to helping professionals in every industry shift their mindset, master the sales conversation, and SELLect their ideal clients. Known for her engaging delivery […]

    • Travels from: Aurora, CO
    • Sales Speakers
    • (38)
    Julian Pistone - Image 03 (April 23, 2026)

    Julian Pistone is an internationally respected speaker, consultant, and facilitator with over 15 years of experience in cultural transformation, adaptive leadership, and change management. With a career spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia, Julian helps organizations and leaders thrive amid complexity by aligning leadership practices and culture with rapidly changing environments. Julian’s work is driven […]

    • Travels from: Mexico City, Mexico
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (19)
    Dr. Terence Keel - Image 06 (January 22, 2026)

    Terence Keel is more than a professor; he is a trailblazer in the realms of academia and social justice. As a Full Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), he holds a prestigious split appointment in the Department of African American Studies and the UCLA Institute for Society and Genetics. With an unwavering […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Diversity Speakers
    Disclaimer
    The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

    These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

    Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

    All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

    Speakers Inc.

    Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

    We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

    Find the Perfect Speaker

    Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

    © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

    AI Assistant
    Speakers Inc Logo 2024
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.