Liya Kebede

Born and raised in Ethiopia, Kebede stepped into the global limelight in 2000 when Gucci offered her an exclusive contract for its Fall/Winter 2000 fashion show. Over the years, the svelte Ethiopian model has strut the catwalk for Victoria’s Secret, Tommy Hilfiger, Escada, Louis Vuitton and Estee Lauder. Passionate maternal heath advocate. In 2005 Kebede was selected by the World Health Organization as a goodwill ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. Through her Liya Kebede foundation she also funds initiatives which promote the use of proven, simple, low-cost strategies to save the lives of mothers and their children.

 

Source: Forbes: 40 most powerful African celebrities