Silvia Vasquez-Lavado: Inspiring GBV
- Travels from: Miami, FL
- **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
Keynote Topics
Read Full Bio
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
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- 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
- (39)
David Houle is a futurist, thinker and keynote speaker. He has always been slightly ahead of the curve. Houle is consistently ranked as one of the top futurists and futurist keynote speakers on the major search engines. He has keynoted numerous conferences across the country and internationally. In the last seven years he has delivered […]
- Travels from: Sarasota, FL
- Futurists Speakers
- (79)
Ashley Stahl is a counterterrorism professional, an international bestselling author, a spokesperson for SoFi, and an advisor for (IBM, Caterpillar) and expert on intuition, personal branding, and fulfillment. Daymond John (Shark Tank, Fubu, NYT bestselling author) says Ashley’s bestseller “You Turn: Get Unstuck, Discover Your Direction, Design Your Dream Career”, is “the ultimate guide to discover […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Empowerment Speakers
- (50)
Marcus Monroe is a New York City-based, award-winning comedian and juggler. His show is a high-energy blend of innovative juggling with in-your-face comedic banter riddled with awkwardness. This makes him one of the most sought after variety performers. Not only is Marcus giving comedy juggling a much-needed makeover, but Marcus is taking a strong lead […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Speciality Acts
- (19)
- (1)
April Hernandez Castillo’s journey from aspiring actress to influential keynote speaker is a testament to her resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication. Her career took a defining turn with her breakthrough role as the “Yo girl” in the Visa Check Card commercial featuring Yao Ming and Yogi Berra. This moment marked the beginning of a remarkable […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- GBV Speakers
- (46)
Laura Brown in the world of fashion media is renowned for her dynamic leadership as the Editor in Chief of InStyle, one of the foremost authorities in the industry. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Laura has left an indelible mark on the landscape of fashion and media, shaping trends, amplifying voices, and […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Journalism Speakers
- (58)
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
- (9)
Mimi Brown’s down-to-earth humor compels audiences to laugh while they learn. From the moment she steps in front of a group, she engages them with her infectious energy, leaving them with empowering tools and focused mindsets long after the event has ended. Passionate about people, leadership, and successful businesses, Mimi is dedicated to helping individuals […]
- Travels from: Detroit, MI
- Motivational Speakers
- (56)
- (4)
Mel Robbins stands as one of the most influential figures in the realm of personal development, renowned globally for her transformative insights and empowering message. As both a celebrated podcast host and bestselling author, Mel has inspired millions to overcome obstacles, unlock their full potential, and create meaningful change in their lives. Mel Robbins is […]
- Travels from: Boston, MA
- Motivational Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
