Selita Ebanks

Having become one of the world's most recognized supermodels, Selita Ebanks used the power of her celebrity to assist with a variety of charitable causes that helped raise money and awareness for women in war-torn Africa and underprivileged children and families dealing with the ravages of HIV/AIDS. Born on Feb. 15, 1983 in George Town, Grand Cayman, the capital of the Cayman Islands, Ebanks immigrated to the United States when she was young, settling in Staten Island with her family, which consisted of seven brothers, making her the only girl in the household. Though she was accepted to several top universities, including Spelman College, Columbia University and New York University, Ebanks decided to put academics on hold after she was discovered at 17 years old waiting in line at Six Flags Great Adventure by an Elite Model Management representative. The young woman quickly rose up the ranks to become one of the world's top models, gracing the pages of Esquire, Glamour and Vanity Fair. Working with some of the world's most noted photographers like Mikael Jansson, Peter Lindbergh and Bruce Weber, Ebanks was seen in such top fashion campaigns as Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Abercrombie & Fitch. In 2005, she reached new heights when she became a featured model at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show alongside the likes of Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks.

The following year, Ebanks began to segue into other forms of entertainment, making guest appearances on episodes of "Still Standing" (CBS, 2002-06) and "South Beach" (UPN, 2006). By 2007, she was named one of People magazine's "Most Beautiful People" while being featured in theSports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2007 and 2008. Also that year, she appeared with fellow Victoria's Secret models Klum, Adriana Lima, Marisa Miller, Alessandra Ambrosio and Miranda Kerr as themselves on an episode of "How I Met Your Mother" (CBS, 2005-14). Ebanks made a bit of tabloid news when she became engaged to actor-rapper-comedian Nick Cannon after the two started dating in February 2007. Cannon made a public proposal to the supermodel, asking her via the jumbotron in New York's Times Square. But five months later, the couple had called off their engagement following their split. Meanwhile, Ebanks remained heavily involved in various philanthropic efforts, like supporting women's educational and professional programs in war-torn Africa, as well as New York's Foster Care system, while helping to consult families affected by HIV/AIDS. Meanwhile, she was one of 14 celebrities competing against each other for their favorite charities on the third season of "Celebrity Apprentice" (NBC, 2004- ).