Opening the 2017 Prada fashion show and walking for many other known fashion designers, Egyptian-born American fashion Model, Anok Yai, has made a name for herself in the fashion world. Originally from Cairo, Anok’s family moved to Manchester, New Hampshire, where she spent most of her childhood. Originally studying Biochemistry at Plymouth State University with the intention of becoming a doctor, Yai’s life turned around when a professional photographer photographed her. The photographer posted the picture of her on Instagram, and within weeks, multiple modeling agencies were trying to get ahold of her. After multiple attempts, Anok eventually signed with Next Model Management. From there, her career skyrocketed. She became the first Sudanese model to open a Prada fashion show.

Since then, she has been on the cover of Vogue Japan, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Britain, among countless other magazine covers. She said in an interview for Vogue that “opening for one of the top fashion houses is a statement to the world — especially for black women — that their beauty is something that deserves to be celebrated.”