3. Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks began her modeling career at the remarkably young age of fifteen, quickly becoming a trailblazer for African American women in the fashion industry. She broke barriers by becoming the first black model to appear on the covers of prestigious magazines like GQ and Sports Illustrated, setting new standards for diversity and representation.
Despite her early successes, Banks soon faced intense media scrutiny when paparazzi noticed she had gained a few pounds. The criticism was relentless, highlighting the harsh and often unrealistic beauty standards imposed on women in modeling. Determined to take control of her image, Tyra committed herself to rigorous workouts and fitness routines, achieving a level of strength and wellness that impressed fans worldwide.
However, this experience also fueled her advocacy. Tyra has been outspoken about the industry’s double standards and its treatment of women, using her platform to inspire body positivity, self-confidence, and change in fashion and media culture.