Dying in childbirth is something that's not new; it's been going on for ages, and so it's not something that people focus on; it's not something that gets funded a lot, and it's exactly for that reason that we are losing mothers all the time, and we have kids with no mothers.

Liya Kebede

Helping others isn't a chore; it is one of the greatest gifts there is.

Liya Kebede

Investing in women's lives is an investment in sustainable development, in human rights, in future generations - and consequently in our own long-term national interests.

Liya Kebede

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

Liya Kebede

I want to spend as much time as possible with my children, so I always like to keep my beauty and fashion routines effortless... but still chic!

Liya Kebede

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

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.

Liya Kebede

I'm Christian. Growing up in Ethiopia, it's half-Christian and half-Muslim. You grow up with Muslim kids. I'm very much aware of their religion.

Liya Kebede

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

Liya Kebede

The world needs our mothers.

Liya Kebede

Children with healthy mothers are much more likely to survive childhood, attend school and live healthy, productive lives.

Liya Kebede

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

Liya Kebede

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.

Liya Kebede

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.

Liya Kebede

In 1967, the world health community launched a global effort to eradicate smallpox. It took a coordinated, worldwide effort, required the commitment of every government, and cost $130 million dollars. By 1977, smallpox had disappeared.

Liya Kebede

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.

Liya Kebede

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.

Liya Kebede

I tend to gravitate toward Proenza Schouler and Alexander Wang. Their designs are accessible and easy.

Liya Kebede

Take good care of your skin and hydrate. If you have good skin, everything else will fall into place.

Liya Kebede

It's very difficult to hand someone your whole life story to play, and you've never really met that person.

Liya Kebede

I don't think we should judge celebrities for doing charity work. Period. Whatever their reasons for doing it, they are shedding light on issues that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Liya Kebede