Silvia Vasquez-Lavado

Silvia Vasquez-Lavado is a humanitarian, mountaineer, explorer, social entrepreneur, and author of the critically acclaimed Memoir "In The Shadow of the Mountain.”

In 2016, Silvia became the first Peruvian woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest in Nepal. By 2018, she completed climbing the 7 Summits (known as the tallest mountain on each continent), becoming the first openly gay woman to do so.

Silvia founded Courageous Girls, an organization helping survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking with opportunities to find strength, courage and cultivate their voice.

Silvia is a fierce advocate for LGTBQ+ equality, women's rights, and abuse survivors. Silvia’s achievements made her an Ambassador in Peru and a symbol of women's empowerment worldwide. Silvia is a member of the prestigious Explorers Club, a sought-out public speaker, and a passionate mentor. 

Silvia is one of the women featured on “Gutsy”, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton’s highly acclaimed eight-part series on Apple TV+, available now.

"In The Shadow of The Mountain" is being turned into a feature film featuring Selena Gomez as Silvia.

Read the New York Times review of "In the Shadow of the Mountain - A Memoir of Courage"