Alek Wek

Black girls, I feel, rock, in so many ways, especially coming from five girls.

When I was growing up, my mother taught me and my sisters to celebrate each other - there was no room in our household for negativity. She taught us to embrace each other, and this was empowering for us. She also taught us the value of celebrating our differences.

The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don't celebrate those, they can pass you by.

Education is the key to the future.

When I first started modeling, I realised I was very different from many of my colleagues, but I welcomed the opportunities my career in fashion offered me and the support from many inspiring individuals in the fashion industry.

I think the fashion industry has gotten to a place where it is embarrassing.

I used to have nightmares about the civil war when I got to England at ages 14 to 15. It took me some years to get over that.

My mother has always instilled in us that we should carry ourselves with dignity despite the horror that came with the civil war. She also taught us that where you come from is very important because that's what makes you who you are. So for me, whatever I've gone through had profoundly shaped me; it has given me strength and unwavering faith.

I believe we should utilise any power we have for important issues that are bigger and beyond us. Whether it's with refugees or working to educate kids. I don't think you need to have gone through a civil war to do something. I believe as human beings, we can look out for each other.

When I was 10 years old, I fled my homeland amid the bomb blasts of civil war in Sudan.

When I was a girl, civil war in Sudan forced me to flee my home town of Wau.

Going back to South Sudan after the independence took place was deeply emotional for me because I had gone through the civil war with my family just before going to seek refuge in London.