Iman, the philanthropist, entrepreneur and supermodel, has joined the Advisory Board of (RED), the organization cofounded by Bono and Bobby Shriver to fight AIDS.
Her appointment comes at a critical time, as funding cuts continue to threaten progress in the global fight to end AIDS.
“(RED) has been unwavering in its support of the AIDS fight for nearly two decades, and today — as it was when the organization began in 2006 — that work is needed more than ever,” said Iman. “I’m delighted to be joining the Advisory Board, and I look forward to supporting (RED)’s future and the extraordinary impact it can have on vulnerable communities.”
Tom Freston, chair of the ONE Campaign and (RED), said, “Iman is an undisputed icon — someone who cares deeply about the AIDS issue and has all the chess pieces and experience needed to move mountains when and where needed. We couldn’t be more thrilled for her support of (RED) to expand in this way, and it’s a real dream come true ahead of our 20th anniversary year in 2026. As the fight to address global health injustice is more challenging than ever before, I’m really excited to see how Iman and our other Advisory Board members help accelerate work to change and save more lives.”
Iman’s relationship with (RED) spans nearly two decades. She was photographed by Annie Leibovitz for one of the organization’s special Vanity Fair “Africa” covers in 2007. She later starred in the “Lazarus Effect” campaign alongside Naomi Watts, Kerry Washington and Gwen Stefani.
As a member of the (RED) Creative council, chaired by fellow Advisory Board member Laura Brown, Iman has helped rally the creative community through events and advocacy, and earlier this year traveled with (RED) to Kenya to witness firsthand the impact of funding cuts. Looking ahead, she has been instrumental in shaping a forthcoming (RED) anniversary collaboration with Italian luxury house Tod’s.
Born in Somalia, Iman was discovered by photographer Peter Beard while studying at the University of Nairobi. She moved to New York and began her modeling career, appearing on numerous magazine covers and walking the runway in many international fashion shows. She later launched IMAN Cosmetics, pioneering inclusive beauty products for women of color, and is the author of two books, “I Am Iman,” and “The Beauty of Color.”
Founded by Bono and Shriver in 2006 to fight AIDS, (RED) partners with the world’s most well-known brands and people to create products and experiences that raise money, heat and urgency for global health crises. To date, (RED) has generated over $800 million for the Global Fund, helping more than 325 million people.
(RED) funding supports life-saving programs that empower health workers and provide testing, treatment and care in places where injustice has enabled pandemics to thrive. (RED) is a division of The ONE Campaign, a global nonpartisan organization advocating for the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa.
