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.
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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.
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Vito di Bari resides in Miami, FL. He maintains a global reputation of excellence as the world’s premiere futurist, innovation strategist and inspirational keynote speaker. His charming and entertaining style leaves nothing to be desired. Vito is the only keynote speaker who has given a TEDx Talk in five world continents. Vito is an esteemed […]
Jason Silva is a multifaceted individual renowned for his captivating storytelling, visionary ideas, and dynamic presence both on screen and on stage. As an Emmy-nominated TV personality, filmmaker, and futurist, Jason has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with his thought-provoking insights and impassioned delivery. Jason Silva’s journey into the realms of media and futurism […]
Kondo Simfukwe, an acclaimed event emcee renowned for his dynamic presence, charismatic stage persona, and unparalleled ability to elevate any occasion. For over 12 years, Kondo has had the honor of standing on many stages to facilitate the relationship between the stars and the audience. Armed with cross-cultural experiences, a curiosity about people, an adaptability […]
Kim Lear is a prominent figure in the realm of generational patterns and demographic shifts. As the founder and content director of Inlay Insights, she spearheads groundbreaking research that unveils cultural transformations, reshaping how organizations engage both their employees and consumers. With a unique blend of data analysis, compelling storytelling, wit, and actionable insights, Kim […]
Jeff Havens is not your typical business growth expert. With an uncanny ability to transform complex business challenges into relatable, humorous, and actionable insights, Jeff has earned his place among the top keynote speakers across North America and Asia. Over the last decade, he has presented to over 1,000 audiences, bringing fresh perspectives on leadership, […]
Jon Petz is a motivational speaker, author, and performance expert who captivates audiences with his unique blend of powerful storytelling, energy, and humor. With over 20 years of experience in the corporate and events industry, Jon has helped thousands of individuals and organizations discover their true potential, pushing them to achieve extraordinary results in their […]
Greg Schwem is more than a comedian; Greg Schwem is a motivational corporate comedian. And the corporate world has taken note. Greg’s take on the 21st century workplace and work/life balance has landed him on SIRIUS Radio, Comedy Central and the pages of Exceptional People Magazine. More than just a business humorist, Greg is also an author, nationally syndicated […]
Mary Kelly is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and spent over 20 years on active duty in intelligence and logistics. She retired from the Navy as a commander. She has master’s degrees in history and economics, and a PhD in economics. Mary Kelly has EXPERIENCE, and it’s this experience that helps your […]
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