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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Katerina Cozias is an international on-camera host and live events emcee with a dynamic on-stage presence. Currently residing in Los Angeles, she is the producer & host of the morning radio talk show LA40. LA40 broadcasts digitally on LA Talk Radio. She is also a recurring host and collaborator with Afterbuzz TV, Book Circle Online, […]
Mallory Weggemann is a 4-time Paralympian for Team USA, having most recently competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she added a gold and silver medal to her impressive collection. A 7-time Paralympic medalist, including four gold, two silver, and one bronze, Weggemann is known for her resilience, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of excellence. […]
David Avrin is a leading authority in marketing, branding, and customer experience, widely recognized as The Visibility Coach. As one of the most sought-after keynote speakers worldwide, he delivers high-energy, content-rich presentations that engage and inspire audiences across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. From Singapore to Dubai, David’s global reach reflects his […]
Tom Coverly is a world-renowned entertainer, celebrated for his remarkable ability to blend comedy, magic, and motivational speaking into an unforgettable experience. Known as “The Illusionist,” Tom captivates audiences with jaw-dropping magic tricks and heartwarming humor, while delivering powerful life lessons that resonate deeply with people of all ages. Having performed for millions across the […]
Rawi Abdelal is recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on how globalization and geopolitics affect businesses, economies, supply chains and social structures Herbert F. Johnson Professor of International Management at Harvard Business School, faculty co-chair of the Bloomberg-Harvard City Leadership Initiative and faculty chair of the Harvard Business School/YPO Presidents’ Program Work focuses […]
Jeanne Bliss is a transformative force in customer experience, renowned for her ability to guide organizations toward becoming their best selves. With a clear and actionable framework, she helps businesses build lasting, meaningful connections with their customers. Over her decades-long career, Jeanne has pioneered the path of customer loyalty and experience, showing companies how to […]
Chad Porter stands tall as one of the nation’s most esteemed and sought-after speakers. Renowned by corporate CEOs, fundraising executives, and esteemed figures within the realms of MLB, NFL, and collegiate athletics, Porter’s journey of triumph over adversity, perseverance, and navigating life’s hurdles serves as a beacon of inspiration. Through his compelling narratives, Porter delves […]
Dr. Lisa D Jenkins is a distinguished cultural strategist renowned for her expertise in cultivating environments of impactful cultural diversity within organizations. With a track record of excellence, she has garnered recognition as an award-winning professional speaker, empowering teams to thrive in multicultural settings. Lisa’s journey is enriched by her diverse background, including pivotal roles […]
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