Suggestions
Silvia Vasquez-Lavado
Founder/CEO of Courageous Girls | Author| Keynote Speaker | Global Explorer Extraordinaire
Silvia Vasquez-Lavado is a Peruvian-American mountaineer, author, social entrepreneur, and technologist.2 Born and raised in Peru, she came to the U.S. on a college scholarship and became one of the most influential Latinos in Silicon Valley.1 Vasquez-Lavado is notable for several achievements:
- She is the first Peruvian woman to summit Mount Everest.2
- She became the first openly gay woman to complete the Seven Summits, climbing the highest peak on each continent.2
- She authored the memoir "In the Shadow of the Mountain," published in 2022, which details her journey of healing through mountaineering.12
Vasquez-Lavado's life story is marked by overcoming childhood trauma and finding healing through mountain climbing. She founded the nonprofit organization Courageous Girls, which helps survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking through trekking experiences.2
Her accomplishments have earned her recognition, including:
- Named one of the Corporate Heroes of 2015 by Fortune magazine12
- Listed as one of the 20 Most Influential Latinos in Silicon Valley by CNET12
- Recognized by the Peruvian government as a "Marca Peru" ambassador12
Vasquez-Lavado's memoir, "In the Shadow of the Mountain," has received critical acclaim and is set to be adapted into a feature film starring Selena Gomez.12
Highlights
I’m grateful to the bravery of Jenny Vrentas and #AnnaCalla in writing this NYTimes expose on one of the most public faces in high-altitude mountaineering. I will never forget the anger I felt while waiting for the green light to push for my summit chance on Everest in 2016, after hearing the account of one of my female mountaineer friends who was sexually attacked at 25,000 feet. As I wrote in my book, "I’ve always said that mountains don’t discriminate. Being gay, a woman, or Peruvian doesn’t matter here because we are all at the mercy of the elements. I’ve always approached climbing as an equal playing field. If you have what it takes, your gender, race, or creed doesn’t matter. Mountains were my escape. My sacred places—places of healing—natural places that accept all without judgment. But even here, even in this sacred place, there’s no escaping the hands of men." This behavior has gone unpunished for too long, and it's time for accountability. Sadly, judicial accountability in Nepal is unlikely, but brand accountability can make a lasting impact. Osprey Packs, Inc. has already cut ties; now it's time for Nike, Grivel and others to step up for the countless women who have likely been too scared to share their own stories
https://lnkd.in/gBizBSxT
Qué mejor manera de empezar este 2024 que con una conversación tan motivadora e inspiradora, moderada por una de mis heroínas Mariana Costa Checa. Gracias, Mariana, y a Laboratoria+ por esta oportunidad tan especial!
Únete a nosotros este miércoles 10 de enero a las 7 p.m., hora de Lima.
Regístrate gratis aquí ▶ https://lnkd.in/en7nYXX5
Y con muchas ganas de verlos la próxima semana!
#crecimiento #inspiracion #motivacion
