Silvia Vasquez-Lavado: Inspiring GBV
- Highlights:
- 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
- (10)
Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut, is a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University and the senior advisor for space programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. \ He received a BS from Columbia University, and MS degrees in mechanical engineering and in technology and policy, as well as a PhD in […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Business Speakers
- (11)
- (4)
The Swing Kittens are a vibrant and talented swing vocal trio hailing from the heart of Orange County, California. Renowned for their harmonious blend of vintage style and modern charisma, The Swing Kittens have quickly established themselves as a premier act in the entertainment industry. Their engaging performances captivate audiences with a nostalgic nod to […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Singers
- (10)
Farrah Khan has spent two decades raising awareness about the intersections of gender-based violence and equity through education, policy, and advocacy. She is a member of the Government of Canada’s Advisory Council on the Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, former co-chair of the Ontario Government Provincial Roundtable on Violence Against Women, board member […]
- Travels from: Toronto, ON
- Leadership Speakers
- (25)
Dr. Robert Cialdini seminal work has unraveled the underlying principles that drive human behavior, offering invaluable tools for those seeking to master the dynamics of influence. Through his compelling presentations, Dr. Cialdini illuminates the pathways to achieving desired outcomes by ethically applying the principles of persuasion. Dr. Robert Cialdini’s academic journey began with a Bachelor […]
- Travels from: Phoenix, AZ
- Negotiation Speakers
- (61)
Chef Stephanie Izard is a culinary force to be reckoned with in the culinary world. With her innovative approach to cooking and an impressive list of accolades, she has earned a well-deserved reputation as a talented and influential chef. Her journey in the world of gastronomy has been marked by creativity, hard work, and a […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Chefs Speakers
- (18)
- (5)
Kurdt Greenwood is a young, dynamic naturalist, conservationist, survival expert, and animal behavior specialist whose passion for wildlife knows no bounds. With a deep connection to nature and a unique ability to communicate its wonders, Kurdt has dedicated his life to preserving the natural world and educating others on its importance. His journey as a […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Wildlife Speakers
- (46)
Dr. Gurpreet Dhaliwal, MD, is a clinician-educator and Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco. He sees patients and teaches medical students and residents in the emergency department, inpatient wards, and outpatient clinic at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, where he directs the internal medicine clerkship. He studies, writes, and speaks […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Healthcare Speakers
- (42)
Rachel Rodgers is the visionary force behind Hello Seven, a thriving enterprise dedicated to empowering women to redefine their relationship with money. As the founder of this multi-million dollar company, Rachel has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. Her accolades extend beyond the business world, as she has […]
- Travels from: Greensboro, NC
- Business 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.