Search....
CTRL+K
Search....
CTRL+K
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 […]
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
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Abigail Posner is a multi-talented professional, combining creativity, intellect, and innovation into her work. With a rich background in various fields and a passion for exploring the intersection of technology and creativity, she has become a recognized figure at Google, consistently pushing the boundaries of brand marketing. Educational Background and Early Career Posner’s journey began […]
Julie Smolyansky is the dynamic President and CEO of Lifeway Foods, a pioneering company in the production of kefir and probiotic-rich foods. At just 27 years old, she became the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company, transforming Lifeway into a leader in the health and wellness industry. With her vision and leadership, the […]
Silvina Moschini, widely known in technology circles as @Miss_Internet, is a dynamic figure at the forefront of digital innovation and entrepreneurship. With a rich history spanning corporate leadership and groundbreaking startups, Silvina brings a wealth of expertise to the table. With a career steeped in technology and innovation, Silvina’s journey began in the corporate world, […]
Dr. Willie Jolley is not just another motivational speaker; he is a beacon of inspiration, a maestro of transformation, and a living testament to the power of resilience and perseverance. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Jolley has solidified his position as a triple threat personality and a global thought leader. Renowned as a Hall […]
Zainab Salbi is a world-renowned humanitarian, social entrepreneur, and author whose life’s work has been dedicated to advocating for women’s rights and global peace. As the founder of Women for Women International, Salbi has directly impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of women survivors of war, providing them with the resources and support needed […]
Mark Robinson is one of the hottest comedy acts in the country, known for his unique blend of magic, comedy, and jaw-dropping illusions. More than just a magician, Mark is a true entertainer—combining the skills of a stand-up comedian, illusionist, juggler, and master of ceremonies into one high-energy, unforgettable performance. His dynamic stage presence, quick […]
Renowned as a favorite among Las Vegas locals, DJ Liz Clark is more than just a mobile DJ; she is a powerhouse of talent, ambition, and sheer charisma. With an infectious energy and a deep passion for music, Liz has built a reputation for crafting electrifying experiences that resonate with audiences of all ages. Whether […]
Susan Feniger is a celebrated chef, author, and entrepreneur. Her professional collaboration with Mary Sue Milliken (CITY, Ciudad, Too Hot Tamales) has led to the groundbreaking Border Grill empire, with locations in Santa Monica, Downtown LA, LAX Airport Tom Bradley International Terminal, Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay, and a second outpost in Las Vegas at […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
