TYRA BANKS
Trailblazing Supermodel
In the fashion industry, Banks is known for breaking down barriers with her extensive list of “firsts.” Over the course of her distinguished career, Banks became the first African-American model to grace the covers of GQ and the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. The following year, she was featured on the cover of the famed Victoria’s Secret catalog, an honor she received countless times. Banks is a recipient of numerous awards within the fashion industry, including the prestigious Michael Award for "Supermodel of the Year," the modeling industry equivalent of the Oscar, as well as two Teen Choice Awards for “Favorite Supermodel.” Banks previously had a 5-year contract with Cover Girl cosmetics, and enjoyed a long-term contract with Victoria's Secret, celebrating her tenth anniversary with the company in 2005. After a successful and illustrious modeling career, Banks made the decision to leave the modeling world and expand her ventures in entertainment. In a TV special commemorating Banks’s official retirement from the runway, an incredible 10 million viewers watched as Victoria’s Secret paid tribute to this groundbreaking model.
Philanthropist
Equally important to Banks is her dedication to today's youth. After writing Tyra's Beauty Inside & Out (HarperCollins), she realized that the trials she overcame as a teen could be used to connect with girls who struggled with self-esteem issues. At the young age of 19, Banks established a scholarship in her name to give African-American girls the opportunity to attend her alma mater, Immaculate Heart High School. She expanded her charitable outreach in July 2000 when her self-funded foundation sponsored the first year of TZONE, an annual summer camp experience for teenage girls designed to encourage independence, and enhance self-esteem. TZONE has transitioned into a grant-making organization, whose mission is to build a sisterhood movement, as well as to foster supportive female relationships. To this end, TZONE raises funds and awards grants to community-based nonprofits that serve low-income women and girls through innovative programs and services. For more information about TZONE, visit the website at www.tzonefoundation.com.
Entrepreneur
Through her company, Bankable Enterprises, Banks will be expanding her horizons beyond television and film, applying the same drive, passion, and business savvy that have made her previous ventures globally successful. Bankable Enterprises is based in New York, and Bankable Productions is based in Los Angeles.
Banks currently resides in New York City.
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