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
- (27)
- (2)
In the dynamic landscape of professional speaking, few voices resonate as profoundly as that of Valorie Burton. A beacon of wisdom and empowerment, Valorie is renowned as a life strategist and international speaker, spearheading transformative conversations that transcend boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide. As the CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute, her […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Motivational Speakers
- (22)
Obsidian Butterfly and Sacred Fire Dance Company offers entertainment for all kinds of events including corporate events, parties, festivals, and more. Our fire and cirque shows are infused with myth and fantasy and include multiple styles of dance and music. Our specialty is fire and LED Light entertainment shows, but we offer many additional entertainment […]
- Travels from: Sacramento, CA
- Speciality Acts
- (83)
- (2)
Vanessa Van Edwards is a distinguished communication expert, bestselling author, acclaimed speaker, and the visionary founder of Science of People. With a remarkable career dedicated to understanding the intricacies of human behavior, Vanessa has become a leading authority in the fields of communication, body language, and interpersonal dynamics. Her groundbreaking work has empowered individuals and […]
- Travels from: Austin, TX
- Communication Speakers
- (40)
Liz Bohannon is a dynamic and influential leader whose impact resonates deeply across the realms of customer service and leadership. As the co-founder and CEO of Sseko Designs, Liz has championed a unique approach to ethical business practices and leadership that intertwines social impact with entrepreneurial success. Her compelling journey from a Peace Corps volunteer […]
- Travels from: Portland, OR
- Culture Speakers
- (45)
Mark Noon is a distinguished speaker, executive coach, and author with over 25 years of expertise in military and civilian healthcare leadership. Renowned for his ability to inspire and empower leaders at every level, Mark has transformed organizations by equipping them with the tools and strategies needed for success. His career, which began as an […]
- Travels from: Pensacola, FL
- Leadership Speakers
- (74)
Michael Voltaggio is an American chef from Pasadena, California who is most well known for being the winner of the sixth season of Top Chef, a cooking competition reality show on the Bravo network. He competed against his brother Bryan in the show. They both ended in the finale alongside Kevin Gillespie. Judge of Top […]
- Travels from: Pasadena, CA
- Chefs Speakers
- (31)
- (4)
Emily Best is the dynamic founder and CEO of Seed&Spark, a groundbreaking platform that has revolutionized the way independent films are financed, produced, and distributed. Her work as an advocate for equity and inclusion within the entertainment industry and beyond has positioned her as a leading voice in leveraging entertainment for social impact. Emily’s commitment […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Innovation Speakers
- (30)
Darielle Williams aka Black Cat has toured with Beyoncé and performed in a Vegas Cirque-style show. She provides a unique experience that is bound to elevate any event. Her style is a mixture of ballet, contemporary and a little sass which audiences fall in love with. She specializes in aerial hoop, silk, hammock, pole dancing, […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Aerial Performers
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.
