AFRICAN CUSHITE CAT WALK QUEENS

IMAN

Iman Abdulmajid was born in 1955 Mogadishu Somalia. Iman a daughter of a Somalia diplomat was born in Somalia and grew up speaking five languages. Her parents moved to Kenya where they currently still reside. Whilst in Kenya Iman studied Political Science at Nairobi University. It was at this time when she was discovered and recruited by legendary photographer Peter Beard.

Iman began her career in 1975 as a model. Her first modeling assignment was for Vogue in 1976 and became an instant success. During her 14 years as a model she worked with top photographer and modeled for top designers including Versace, Calvin Klein and YvesStLaurent. Iman is currently involved in several philanthropic causes and is the spokesperson for Keep A Child Alive, which provides drugs to HIV/AIDS children in Africa. She also has a cosmetic line Iman Cosmetics that produces a wide range of make up products.

A mother of two, Iman is currently married to David Bowie with whom she has a daughter Alexandria Zahra. Iman’s eldest daughter is Zulekha Haywood from a previous marriage to basket ball player Spencer Haywood.

YASMIN WARSAME

"I believe that "Black beauty" is underrated and isn't appreciated, so that's what I want to represent in this modeling industry. I want to inspire young girls and women all around the world to follow there dreams, especially women of color. I am blessed to have a beautiful ... son name Hamzah who is the love of my life and my source of inspiration."

-Yasmin Warsame

Somali born Yasmin Warsame was in her early 20’s and five months pregnant with her son when she had her first pictures shot for a catalogue in Toronto, where she had immigrated. 6 foot tall, slim and full of promise, Warsame headed to Paris in 2002, and she encountered success on the runway ever since.

LIYA KEBEDE

This international beauty Liya Kebede was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. While in school at the French Lycee, a film director spotted the beautiful Liya and introduced her to a French modeling agent. After completing her studies, she moved to France to pursue work through a local Parisian agency. Liya inevitably relocated to the fashion capital of New York City, where she currently resides.

Liya established The Liya Kebede Foundation whose mission is to reduce maternal newborn and child mortality and to improve the health and well being of mothers and children around the world. In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director General appointed Liya as WHO’s Goodwill Ambassador for maternal, newborn and child health.

Liya is married to Kassy Kebede, a managing partner at an investment company. "I go to him for everything! Career, the foundation, anything. He's the most wonderful supporter. He's just brilliant. He's my right hand." They have 2 children.

"I definitely would never discourage girls that want to start modeling. Nothing is impossible. You should have fun, be responsible. Know that it's work at the end of the day. Maybe it feels like a lot of fun at times, but really, it's a career. It's something that hopefully you can have for a long time and count on. I think that if it works for you, it's a wonderful business."

MORE INFORMATION ON LIYA KABEDE AND HER FOUNDATION

http://www.liyakebede.com

http://www.liyakebede.com/foundation/