The Early Years
Liya Kebede was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1978. Her childhood was marked by instability, as her parents separated when she was just three years old. Her mother remarried and had two more children, but as the country descended into civil war, the family was forced to flee Ethiopia and seek refuge in Djibouti. Liya was just 12 years old at the time.The Modeling Career
After moving to France, Liya was discovered by a modeling agent while attending college. Although she initially had reservations about pursuing a career in modeling, Liya quickly made a name for herself in the fashion industry. She worked with some of the biggest designers in the world, including Tom Ford and Jean-Paul Gaultier, and graced the covers of major fashion magazines. Liya's success in the fashion industry wasn't just about her stunning beauty - she was also known for her intelligence, grace, and commitment to social causes. She founded the Liya Kebede Foundation, which aims to reduce maternal, newborn, and child mortality in Africa. She's also been an ambassador for the World Health Organization, and has worked on various initiatives to improve healthcare and education in developing countries.Life Today
Today, Liya is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential supermodels of all time. She's been named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world, and has received numerous awards and accolades for her work in the fashion industry and her philanthropic efforts. In addition to her modeling and humanitarian work, Liya is also an actress. She's appeared in films such as \"Desert Flower\" and \"The Good Shepherd,\" and has worked with some of the most respected directors in the business. Despite her incredible success, Liya remains grounded and committed to using her platform to make a positive impact in the world. She's an inspiration to countless people around the world, and her legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.