About Liya Kebede
Liya Kebede (Amharic: ሊያ ከበደ; born 1 March 1978) is an Ethiopian-born model, maternal health advocate, clothing designer, and actress. She has appeared on the cover of Vogue 20 times. Kebede has served as the WHO's Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health since 2005. == Early life and education == Kebede was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She is ethnic Amhara. She is the only daughter in the family, having four brothers. A film director spotted her while she was attending the French international Lycée Guébré-Mariam, the school in which she learned fluent French, and introduced her to a French modeling agent. After completing her studies, she moved to France to pursue work through a Parisian agency. Kebede later relocated to the US, initially to Chicago then New York City. == Modeling career == Kebede's big break came when Tom Ford asked her for an exclusive contract for his Gucci Fall/Winter 2000 fashion show.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.