Liya Kebede: A Fashion Icon and Humanitarian Advocate

The Early Life of Liya Kebede

Liya Kebede was born on March 1, 1978, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She grew up in a middle-class family and attended a Catholic school before her family moved to France when she was 12 years old. Kebede struggled to adapt to the new culture and language but eventually learned French fluently. She returned to Ethiopia when she was 18 to study accounting, but her life took an unexpected turn when she was discovered by a French film director while attending a local concert.

The Rise of Kebede's Modeling Career

Kebede began her modeling career in Paris, and it didn't take long for her to become a successful model. In 2003, she made history by becoming the first black model to become the face of Estée Lauder, a renowned cosmetics company. Kebede has since appeared on the cover of numerous fashion magazines and walked in countless runway shows for some of the biggest fashion designers in the world.

Kebede's success in the fashion industry has paved the way for other minority models, and she has been a strong advocate for diversity in the fashion world. She has also used her platform to bring attention to important issues such as maternal health and education in Africa.

Kebede's Humanitarian Work

Kebede's passion for maternal health issues started when she was pregnant with her first child. She learned about the high rates of maternal mortality in Ethiopia and decided to use her platform to bring attention to the issue. In 2005, she founded the Liya Kebede Foundation, which aims to reduce maternal, newborn, and child mortality in Ethiopia and other African countries.

Kebede has also been involved in various other humanitarian efforts. She is a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Health Organization and has worked with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to promote education for girls in Ethiopia. In 2013, she was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World for her humanitarian work.

Liya Kebede is not only a successful model but also a woman who uses her influence to make a positive impact in the world. She is a true fashion icon and humanitarian advocate who continues to inspire people all over the world.