Liya Kebede

Is the first Estee Lauder model of colour.

Has a three-year, $9-million contract deal with Estee Lauder Cosmetics.

Heads the Liya Kebede foundation for Mothers and Children.

Has two children with her now ex-husband Kassy Kebede: son Suhul Kebede and daughter Raee Kebede (b. August 2005).

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

Miriam Were has made outstanding contributions to public health in the developing world. She brings basic medical services to women and children in East Africa.

When our mothers are alive and healthy, they do extraordinary things. . . like the mothers of Plaza de Mayo, who marched in Argentinean plazas, defying the military junta dictatorship and demanding the whereabouts of their abducted children. . . or the Liberian mothers who faced down civil war armed only with T-shirts and courage.

If nothing else, I want women to understand that they are powerful. If you look back at history, in almost every big moment, in every leap forward, you find ordinary women at the core. We have more ability to make changes in the world than we can imagine if we have the courage to try.

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.

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

One thing modeling taught me is that the spotlight can change everything. .