Liya Kebede is not just an accomplished model whose career went into the fashion stratosphere in 2000 in part due to the support of Tom Ford and Carine Roitfeld. She is also an actress, maternal health advocate and founder of the artisan-driven lemlem collection and lemlem Foundation.

As part of lemlem’s ethos, Kebede partners with artisan studios in her native Ethiopia and other African countries that use traditional craft techniques. Together with the foundation, she is committed to expanding production and job opportunities and empowering women in Africa. To mark Black History Month, we caught up with the CFDA Member on challenges and how she contributes to positive change.

As a black model and designer, what kind of hurdles have you faced in our industry?

We all know that there is a lack of diversity in modeling — and even more so among designers.  So it’s important that we are constantly working to boost diversity in the fashion industry – which is about celebrating creativity and individuality after all.

What are some of the suggestions you have for the industry to create positive change? How do you plan on using your platform to bring attention and generate change?

At lemlem, the core of our business is our work with African artisans. Our collection is built around their incredible craftsmanship — and we work to educate customers about the intricate techniques, and traditions African artisans are making. We use our platforms to help people think about Africa, and all it has to offer in a new, positive and hopeful light, and also to share the work we’re doing through lemlem’s foundation to train and empower women artisans in Africa.  These are the ways we’re focused on generating change.