Thursday, August 6, 2009

Liya Kebede-Model Citizen


Ethiopian born Liya Kebede is not only disarmingly beautiful, she is making a difference in the lives of mothers and children the world over. As a goodwill ambassador for the World Health Organization, she is diligent about improving the health conditions of impoverished women and children. "Every day we hear about the dangers of cancer, heart disease and AIDS. But how many of us realize that, in much of the world, the act of giving life to a child is still the biggest killer of women of child-bearing age? That over half a million die every year? Or that 3 million babies are stillborn? Or that another 4 million die during the first days and weeks of life?"

Recently, Kebede founded the children's clothing line, Lemlem to inspire economic independence in her country as well as to preserve the art of hand weaving. Lemlem, which means "to bloom" in Amharic is manufactured in Ethiopia and exposes local weavers to western markets. Most recently, J Crew announced that they would carry selected Lemlem pieces at their stores.

This model, actress, activist and mother of two young children knows a thing or two about multitasking. "Whether it's the foundation's needs or a speech I have to give or modeling, things get done according to priority. Sometimes I feel I should get more organized, but then I think, Why fight it? This is my system: Just do what needs to be done next."











No comments:

Post a Comment