Silvia Vasquez-Lavado: Inspiring GBV
- Highlights:
- 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
- (6)
- Featured
Donald Trump Jr. is an innovator and leader in today’s young business world. As an Executive Vice President at The Trump Organization, Donald Jr. works to expand the company’s real estate, retail, commercial, hotel and golf interests. His extensive real estate development experience, rigorous education and inherent business sense add a level of detail and […]
- Travels from: West Palm Beach, FL
- Political Speakers
- (6)
As an inclusive Workplace Wellness Advocate, Vivian Acquah advises managers on how to keep their team members engaged, energized, and safe in a sustainable, long-term way. A clear Workplace Wellness strategy & implementation will fix your hidden cost drains and missed opportunity cost because it will improve talent retention, engagement, employer branding, and connection with […]
- Travels from: Amsterdam, NL
- Workplace Wellness
- (21)
- (1)
Eric McElvenny is more than just a speaker; he’s a living testament to resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit. As a former Marine who served his country with valor, Eric’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was wounded in Afghanistan, resulting in the amputation of his right leg below the knee. […]
- Travels from: Pittsburgh, PA
- Motivational Speakers
- (89)
Barbara Niven has been one of Hollywood’s busiest actresses for over 30 years, and she says she is blessed and grateful to make a living does what she loves. During her career she has appeared in more than 100 film and TV roles, over 2500 TV & radio commercials, and as host in many shows […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Marketing Speakers
- (20)
A natural born storyteller, Ramsey Bergeron uses examples from his life (including dropping out of an Ironman race, a 10-day silent meditation experience, and the loss of his father and best friend) to illustrate that it’s not what happens to us, but how we react that determines our legacy. He connects to his audience using […]
- Travels from: Scottsdale, AZ
- Motivational Speakers
- (6)
- (3)
Keith Ferrazzi has a profound understanding of human behavior and a relentless drive to effect positive change, Keith has become a leading figure in guiding global organizations toward sustainable success. As the founder of the Greenlight Institute and chairman of Ferrazzi Greenlight, his influence extends far beyond the boardroom, shaping the very fabric of how […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Sales Speakers
- (31)
- (5)
If you’re searching for a speaker who inspires resilience, ignites authentic self-leadership, and empowers audiences to break through impossible challenges, Jason Tharp is your go-to. A powerhouse storyteller and founder of the Beyond Hope Project, Jason brings a fresh perspective on overcoming life’s toughest roadblocks. Imagine the authenticity of Brené Brown, the self-leadership insights of […]
- Travels from: Powell, OH
- Resilience Speakers
- (57)
Dena Takruri stands as a remarkable business innovation expert and a trusted event moderator and emcee with over a decade of experience in the field. Having facilitated panels, moderated keynotes, and hosted corporate events around the globe, Dena brings a wealth of practical experience in delivering seamless and engaging event experiences. Her work as a […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Event Emcee
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.
