Super Motto: Liya Kebede Foundation

If you’re unaware of the story behind Liya Kebede, the knowledge is simple… she was number eleven on Forbes’ World’s 15 Top-Earning Supermodels in list (2007). New York based, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia born, it was destiny when Tom Ford asked for an exclusive contract for his Gucci Fall/Winter 2000 fashion show. Kebede not only become (a finalist) in the Miss World Supermodel contest; she also walked the New York, Milan, London, and Paris runway shows. Appearing on the 2002 Paris Vogue cover (a magazine/spread dedicated entirely Kebede) and numerous other prominent magazines, she has advanced as one of the worlds most famed and illustrious models/women of our time.

In 2007, Kebede and her husband, Ethiopian hedge-fund manager Kassy Kebede (Panton Capital Group, NYC) visited the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, which inspired her to improve the existence of children and mothers around the world with more proactive opportunities. Kebede described the experience as “a very sweet and sorrowful place, where the ending is really beautiful and there is a lot of sad stories in between (2007 CNN Interview).”

The Foundation…

“Our goal is to provide support for maternal, newborn and child health initiatives by working with not for profit, non governmental organizations and other institutions in line with the overall policies established by the World Health Organization. We also aims to increase awareness and visibility of the importance of basic medical interventions which are extremely effective in improving the health and survival of mothers and children.” http://www.theliyakebedefoundation.org

The objectives of the Foundation are to promote the use of proven, simple, low-cost technologies, support the education of health care workers, and improve the quality of and access to medical care. The Foundation also supports community-based education and community projects that improve knowledge and practices of maternal and child health, and the work of the WHO Goodwill Ambassador to increase the visibility of maternal, newborn and child health issues globally.

The Obvious…

Liya Kebede’s efforts go far beyond the simple admiration for beauty & fashion. It’s amazing to become aware and be involved in a movement offering a significant contribution to the evolution and improvement of life. Even more encouraging is the opportunity to be able to give back to our fellow brothers & sisters on this planet for the sake of survival by redistribution of wealth. “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.” – Liya Kebede

If you wish to make a direct donation to The Liya Kebede Foundation: http://www.liyakebede.com/foundation/donate.htm

Story by Tionne Myles