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
- (7)
Brent Gleeson is a distinguished individual whose multifaceted career spans military service, entrepreneurship, literature, and public speaking. As a former Navy SEAL combat veteran, he brings a unique blend of leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking to the forefront. Gleeson’s journey from the rigors of military life to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship is a testament […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (64)
- (4)
With a transformative journey from debilitating stage fright to becoming an esteemed figure in broadcast journalism, Kerry Barrett stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring speakers and professionals alike. Over two decades, Kerry has etched her mark as an Emmy-award winning network news anchor, host, and reporter, honing her craft in the intense spotlight […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Event Emcee
- (43)
Redi Tlhabi stands as a prominent figure in the media landscape of South Africa. Renowned for her incisive commentary and engaging presence, Tlhabi has graced numerous national and international events, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Having moderated discussions for esteemed clients such as Discovery, Uber, Investec, and The Global Fund, Tlhabi brings a […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Motivational Speakers
- (5)
As one of the top mentalists worldwide, Kevin Viner has appeared on Penn and Teller: Fool Us, E!’s Busy Tonight, Masters of Illusion, Don’t Blink, AMC’s The Core, commercials for both T-Mobile and for the movie Now You See Me 2, and on the PBS documentary Johnny Carson: King of Late Night. As a corporate entertainer, Kevin has engaged top-level management with […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Magicians
- (9)
Seven-time Olympic Medalist Shannon Miller is an inspiration in the world of gymnastics and beyond. As the only female athlete to be inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame – twice, her legacy transcends mere athletic achievement. With an unparalleled record of 59 International and 49 National competition medals, including a remarkable haul of […]
- Travels from: Jacksonville, FL
- Sporting Speakers
- (68)
Dan Clark leads the charge on attracting, motivating and retaining the best employees. His keynote speeches show how successful people start by visualizing the end and that significant people begin with asking why. He focuses on transformational training and has a three-step process that will take your personal growth and professional development to a level […]
- Travels from: Salt Lake City, UT
- Motivational Speakers
- (7)
Jon Dorenbos played 14 seasons in the NFL, notably making the Pro Bowl twice as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2016, Jon competed on America’s Got Talent where he showcased his skills as a sleight-of-hand magician, making it to the finals and placing third overall in the competition amongst tens of thousands of […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (21)
- (4)
Ryan Campbell is not your average pilot. At the age of 19, he made history by becoming the youngest person to fly solo around the world. But his story is far more than just a record-breaking feat. From surviving a plane crash to thriving as a best-selling author and motivational speaker, Ryan’s journey is one […]
- Travels from: Nashville, TN
- Inspirational 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.
