Liya Kebede

“For my diet, I choose mostly organic. But in general, I am a big believer in trying to strike a balance with everything.”

“A small gold plain cross was passed down from my grandma to my mom, then to me, and now to my daughter. It is always nice to own something that connects you to the women who made it possible for you to exist.”

“I grew up watching films. Film has been part of my life since I was a child.”

“The desert loves me. I love the desert. It's nice to be in the heat in Africa. I love it.”

“When countries commit to protecting vulnerable lives, they should receive support from those who can provide it in order to make their programs a success.”

“I want to do action, romantic comedy, and I love drama.”

“I don't listen to people who say my dreams are impossible; I just work to prove them wrong.”

“When a woman has her first child in places like Africa, they're really young. They can be 12, 13,14, so their frames are really small, and they're usually malnourished.”

“It's not just Ethiopia, but Africa in general - most of the media concentrates on what's not going well. But there is so much beauty there. When you go, it changes everything. It changes you, your life, and the way you see things. The challenge is changing the image of Africa that's been anchored in people for years now.”

“Traveling around Ethiopia, I saw dozens of abandoned textile factories. People kept asking me to help them find work. So I thought I could make use of my experience in fashion to commercialize their products outside of Ethiopia.”

“Prenatal care is one of the most effective ways to reduce maternal mortality because it identifies complications or high risks before emergency situations.”

“It is important for me that I represent a brand that reflects my personality.”

“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.”

“For my wardrobe, I like to invest in classic pieces and pair them with more trendy new pieces and accessories each season.”

“We should work to guarantee that there is a midwife or health worker by every woman's side during childbirth.”

“I never thought modeling would become my career. I thought it was something I'd do to pay my way through college.”