“I went from walking barefoot in my village in Akobo to walking runways all over the world! ” – Nykhor Paul

Nykhor Paul is one of the most successful African models right now, something that has already earned her supermodel status in her right. The 26-year-old model has walked for Vivienne Westwood, Diane Von Furstenberg, Issey Miyake, John Galliano, amongst many others, appeared in campaigns for Desigual, Louis Vuitton and Diet Coke, and aced numerous magazine covers.

She sat down with New African Magazine and shared her powerful story of how she spent eight years of her life in a refugee camp in Ethiopia before moving to Nebraska, USA. The stunning model also shared that she is having her sights set in philanthropy and advocacy rather than just fashion.

Here is an excerpt from the interview

I started ‘We Are Nilotic’ in December 2013, a few days after the civil war in South Sudan broke out where many people lost their lives and millions were displaced. During that time, my little brother was caught in Juba, South Sudan, inbetween the UN compounds, with no way to get in contact with my family in Ethiopia. Without any media coverage broadcasting what was really happening to the people of South Sudan, I decided to use my platform as an international model to raise awareness and put my country in the spotlight so the world can get an idea of what is really happening.

Great strides have been made since the beginning of the campaign, with appearances on CNN, Channel 7 and ABC and in Glamour Italia, Marie Claire USA, REVS Magazine, Volkskrant Magazine and The Guardian. “The most important goal for the campaign was getting coverage on an international scale, which we have achieved and are grateful for the tremendous support we have received all over the world.

Head over to NewAfricanWoman and read the entire interview here.

Photo Credit: NewAfricanWoman

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