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Liya Kebede, on the Word "No"

Liya Kebede, the first woman of color to represent Estée Lauder, has established the Liya Kebede Foundation to improve the health of mothers and children in developing countries.

I hate the word "no." There have been many instances of no in my modeling career and in my advocacy work for maternal health. Global health statistics show that this is one of the least improved upon areas. There is no excuse for this. There are proven strategies to reduce maternal deaths. The absence of progress is a clear example of the lack of political will. I know the world is not easy. But I believe that if you are committed, you can change a no to a yes. 

— As told to Polly Brewster