Liya Kebede
Liya Kebede
Liya Kebede is an Ethiopian-born model, maternal health advocate, clothing designer, and actress. Forbes identified her the eleventh-highest-paid top model in the world in 2007, and she has appeared three times on the cover of U.S. Vogue...
NationalityEthiopian
ProfessionModel
Date of Birth1 March 1978
CityAddis Ababa, Ethiopia
CountryEthiopia
aid health maternal obama president
President Obama has made maternal health one of the core priorities of U.S. international aid funding.
available ethiopia gave given might mom proper survived
I'm a mom. I'm from Ethiopia. I gave birth in the U.S. and had all the proper care available to me. If I had given birth in Ethiopia - I don't know if I might have even survived it.
ambassador became decided goodwill
First I became U.N. Goodwill Ambassador for WHO, and that was in 2005. And then, about a year or so later, I decided to start my foundation.
dream want-something work-out
If you don't have a dream in life, I don't know what you have. You have to want something beyond your reach; it's exciting when it works out.
years together world
In a hundred years, how do you want the world to be? Everybody should get together to make the world a better place.
christian growing-up kids
I'm Christian. Growing up in Ethiopia, it's half-Christian and half-Muslim. You grow up with Muslim kids. I'm very much aware of their religion.
pairs accessories pieces
For my wardrobe, I like to invest in classic pieces and pair them with more trendy new pieces and accessories each season.
doctors play roles
Midwives and doctors play a crucial role preventing unnecessary maternal deaths. They educate women about nutrition, health and family planning. And they step in when complications arise.
taught spotlight modeling
One thing modeling taught me is that the spotlight can change everything.
trying balance bigs
For my diet, I choose mostly organic. But in general, I am a big believer in trying to strike a balance with everything.
college careers pay
I never thought modeling would become my career. I thought it was something I'd do to pay my way through college.
country giving birth-life
No other health disparity is so stark; virtually every woman who dies giving birth lives in a poor country.
design easy
I tend to gravitate toward Proenza Schouler and Alexander Wang. Their designs are accessible and easy.
way interest valuable
I can contribute, be valuable, and grow in many ways, since my interests are so varied. That is very satisfying.