Mert and Marcus, showing models wearing white Lacoste polo shirts worn over black eveningwear. Kebede starred with Jake Gyllenhaal in a Calvin Klein ad. Kebede is currently on the list of "New Supers" by models.com. Lemlem Kebede launched Lemlem, a clothing line, in 2007. Lemlem, which means "to bloom" in Amharic, features hand-spun, woven and embroidered women and children's clothing. Kebede founded the line to help preserve the art of traditional weaving in Ethiopia, and to offer work opportunities to local artisans. The line is sold in 150 retailers. Advocacy In 2005, Kebede was appointed as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.Holgate, Mark. "Role Model". US Vogue (May 2005). She then founded the Liya Kebede Foundation, whose mission is to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality in Ethiopia and around the world. The organization funds advocacy and awareness-raising projects as well as providing direct support for low-cost technologies, community-based education, and training and medical programs. In one health center that the foundation works with, hospital deliveries rose by over 50% in 12 months. Kebede has traveled to Ethiopia to support maternal health projects on multiple occasions. In 2009, she worked with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of their Living Proof Project. Kebede served as a High-Level adviser for the Center for Global Development's 2009 report "Start with a Girl: A New Agenda for Global Health". Kebede writes for The Huffington Post about maternal and child health, and has been featured in Vogue and on The Daily Beast''. She is also part of the Champions for an HIV-Free Generation, an organization of African leaders led by former President of Botswana Festus Mogae. Awards In 2013, Kebede was named one of Glamour's Women of the Year for her philanthropic work through her Liya Kebede Foundation. Personal life In 2000, Kebede married Ethiopian hedge fund manager Kassy Kebede. They have two children together: son Suhul (September 2000) and daughter Raee (August 2005). As of 2007, the family resided in New York City. The couple separated in 2013, and divorced in 2015. Filmography References External links Official site, has scans of many sources for this article (after intro, select 'Press') Liya Kebede Fundraising Event EthioTube Video 1978 births Ethiopian female models Ethiopian emigrants to the United States Ethiopian philanthropists Living people People from Addis Ababa Ethiopian film actresses Ambassadors of supra-national bodies IMG Models models 20th-century Ethiopian women