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
- (33)
Marci Shimoff, a renowned speaker, and leading expert in personal development, happiness, and success. With a captivating presence and profound insights, Marci Shimoff has inspired countless individuals worldwide to transform their lives and achieve greater levels of fulfillment and joy. Marci Shimoff is a New York Times bestselling author, a celebrated speaker, and a leading […]
- Travels from: San Rafael, CA
- Leadership Speakers
- (41)
Dr. Fei-Fei Li is one of the most influential figures shaping the future of technology and artificial intelligence. Often referred to as the “Godmother of AI,” she is the visionary behind ImageNet—the groundbreaking dataset that gave machines the ability to “see,” launching the deep learning revolution that fuels today’s AI applications. From powering tools like […]
- Travels from: Stanford, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (26)
Sean Patrick, affectionately referred to as SP, is a name synonymous with excellence in event hosting and entertainment. With a career spanning years, SP has established himself as the go-to emcee for corporate events, conferences, and conventions across the nation. His magnetic stage presence, coupled with an unparalleled ability to engage audiences, has made him […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Event Emcee
- (17)
Déborah Berebichez is the first Mexican woman to obtain a Ph.D. in physics from Stanford University. Her passion is to empower young people to learn science and to improve the state of STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math) in the world. Her education and background help her to make science accessible to a wide range […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- STEM Speakers
- (47)
Ross Shafer is one of the most sought after keynote speakers and seminar leaders on the subjects of Customer Urgency and Empathy, Personal Motivation, Reinvention, and Market Relevance. He has authored nine business books yet also won international stand-up comedy competitions. He’s earned six TV Emmys as a network talk and game show host yet […]
- Travels from: Lone Tree, CO
- Motivational Speakers
- (66)
Shelmina Babai Abji is a TEDx speaker, board member, former vice president at IBM, and an angel investor. She started her career as a software engineer and then moved into sales and sales leadership, leading global teams to deliver over $1B in annual revenues and serving as a key decision-maker in hiring and promoting hundreds of […]
- Travels from: Seattle, WA
- Leadership Speakers
- (62)
John Gucci Foley is not your typical keynote speaker. With a career marked by exceptional achievements and a commitment to excellence, he stands out as a beacon of inspiration for those seeking to unlock their highest potential. From his days as the lead solo pilot of the renowned Blue Angels to his role as a […]
- Travels from: Boise, ID
- Leadership Speakers
- (81)
Josh Sundquist is a Paralympian, bestselling author, and Emmy-winning Apple TV+ storyteller whose videos have generated over one billion video views. He inspires audiences to live by his mantra 1MT1MT (One More Thing, One More Time). Your attendees will leave energized and equipped to: Foster forward-thinking amid market volatility Rebound from disappointment Do 1MT1MT to […]
- Travels from: Santa Monica, CA
- 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.
