1. Liya Kebede

Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Liya was scouted at an early age by a French film director who introduced her to her first modelling agency. As soon as Liya graduated from high school, she moved to France to begin her career. Liya inevitably relocated to the fashion capital of New York City, where fate would find her through Gucci designer, Tom Ford. He hired the then unknown model for his runway show and the rest is histroy! In 2003, Liya Kebede (IMG Models) was the first black woman to land the coveted cosmetics contract with Estée Lauder (the first in the company's 59-year history!) She has also graced the covers of Italian, Japanese and Spanish Vogue, V, French, Flair, i-D and Time's Style & Design. In 2005, she was appointed as the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and she also founded a foundation to support the cause. She currently lives in New York City with her husband Kassy Kebede, son Suhul and daughter Raee. To learn more about her foundation visit, www.liyakebede.com.