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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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 […]
Maggie Nichols joined the Eureka! Ranch in 1999 after graduating from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business. After reading an article about the Ranch during an Entrepreneurship class, she decided that the Eureka! Ranch was the place where she was going to work. Months and dozens of pestering visits later, Founder, Doug Hall, finally acquiesced […]
Kim Becking is a distinguished leadership speaker, consultant, and author renowned for her transformative approach to leadership and organizational culture. With a career spanning over two decades, Kim has become a sought-after figure in the speaking circuit, admired for her engaging style and profound insights. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and her commitment […]
Kate Fagan is a celebrated ESPN host, author, and keynote speaker who shines a spotlight on crucial topics within the sports world. Known for her engaging storytelling and insightful commentary, she has a remarkable ability to connect with audiences on a deep level, using her experience as both a former collegiate athlete and a prominent […]
Kelly Maryanski is a Los Angeles-based powerhouse, seamlessly blending a kaleidoscope of talents into a captivating entertainment experience. As a multidisciplinary artist, Kelly defies categorization, effortlessly embodying roles as a dancer, circus artist, athlete, aerialist, storyteller, actor, singer, musician, illustrator, and choreographer. With a rich tapestry of formal training spanning ballet, contemporary dance, musical theater, […]
Piers Kowalski stands as a beacon of advocacy, leadership, and inspiration in the realm of LGBTQ rights and inclusive corporate environments. With a fervent dedication to fostering positive change and championing diversity, Piers has carved a remarkable path as a professional speaker, consultant, and advocate. His journey is one characterized by a relentless pursuit of […]
Derek Ostovani, one of the nation’s top Corporate Magicians and Mentalists resides in San Diego, California, and has traveled across the country and internationally to share his unique art of performance and sleight of hand abilities. He has performed at theaters across the nation including The Magic Castle in Hollywood, The Chicago Magic Lounge, and […]
Richard Fowler is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Richard Fowler Show, a Fox News Channel contributor and democratic messaging and millennial engagement expert. Positioned at the intersection of news, politics and the cultural issues facing everyday Americans, Richard’s fresh style and non-traditional spin on populism have taken audiences by storm. He pushes all […]
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