Helping others isn't a chore, it is one of the greatest gifts there is. I want to challenge the next generation of women to find a way to give back that inspires and fulfills them and weave it into their daily lives. If the next generation can learn that early on, we have a real chance to change the world.
Liya KebedeMiriam Were has made outstanding contributions to public health in the developing world. She brings basic medical services to women and children in East Africa.
Liya KebedeWhen 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 KebedeI think you should really research your cause, see if there are other people who are already doing the same thing you're doing and try to join forces because I really feel like collaborating is really important and very efficient. More is more, you know?
Liya KebedeI never thought modeling would become my career. I thought it was something I'd do to pay my way through college.
Liya KebedeI'm a mom. I'm from Ethiopia. I gave birth in the U.S. and had all the proper care available to me. If I had given birth in Ethiopia - I don't know if I might have even survived it.
Liya KebedeWhile I was pregnant, I had dozens of checkups. They covered everything from blood tests to ultrasounds, and I even had the option of attending birthing classes with my husband.
Liya KebedeI'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 KebedeWhat I love most about Mother's Day is that I am acknowledged and honored for being a mother.
Liya KebedePresident Obama has made maternal health one of the core priorities of U.S. international aid funding.
Liya KebedeI actually started modeling in Ethiopia, because that's where I grew up, and I started out by just doing little fashion shows for school, and I liked it so much that I started pursuing it.
Liya KebedeTraveling 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 KebedeIn a hundred years, how do you want the world to be? Everybody should get together to make the world a better place.
Liya KebedeA small gold plain cross was passed down from my grandma to my mom, then to me, and now to my daughter. It is always nice to own something that connects you to the women who made it possible for you to exist.
Liya KebedeI 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 KebedePrenatal care is one of the most effective ways to reduce maternal mortality because it identifies complications or high risks before emergency situations.
Liya KebedeI always loved having the chance to disappear in a story. I always was kind of obsessed with that.
Liya KebedeIt's one thing to donate money. It's a whole other thing to give an opportunity for someone to make his own money.
Liya KebedeDoing designs on a loom takes a lot of talent and experience, and, trust me, I won't be able to do that.
Liya KebedeI can contribute, be valuable and grow in many ways, since my interests are so varied. That is very satisfying.
Liya KebedeChildren with healthy mothers are much more likely to survive childhood, attend school and live healthy, productive lives.
Liya KebedeI don't listen to people who say my dreams are impossible; I just work to prove them wrong.
Liya KebedeIn 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 KebedeThe message of our campaign is "Make every mother and child count". This campaign is not just about health. It is also a powerful call for radical progress in women's rights and the rights of their children. Too often, the health of mothers and children does not count. In too many parts of the world, they are forgotten.
Liya KebedeNo other health disparity is so stark; virtually every woman who dies giving birth lives in a poor country.
Liya KebedeI tend to gravitate toward Proenza Schouler and Alexander Wang. Their designs are accessible and easy.
Liya KebedeWhen a woman has her first child in places like Africa, they're really young. They can be 12, 13,14, so their frames are really small, and they're usually malnourished.
Liya KebedeMidwives 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.
Liya KebedeWe should work to guarantee that there is a midwife or health worker by every woman's side during childbirth.
Liya KebedeThe desert loves me. I love the desert. It's nice to be in the heat in Africa. I love it.
Liya KebedeI think, first of all, every time you want to play somebody who is real is always challenging and always scary, because you are given a responsibility of someone's real life.
Liya KebedeInvesting 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 KebedeFor my diet, I choose mostly organic. But in general, I am a big believer in trying to strike a balance with everything.
Liya KebedeThere's a saying in Africa: To find out you are pregnant is to have one foot in the grave.
Liya KebedeIf 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 KebedeTake good care of your skin and hydrate. If you have good skin, everything else will fall into place.
Liya KebedeMy children are still young, but I try to talk to them about giving back and how important it is, just to look at the world, be invested in things, to be passionate about things, to have a dream.
Liya Kebede