Although I mentioned the accomplishments of models Carla Bruni, Brooke Shields and Tyra Banks in my post last week, my search for models that aren’t just a pretty face turned up an impressive list. When some of these ladies aren’t strutting the runway, they’re doing some inspiring stuff! Their achievements are widespread, ranging from art to their families to academics. See for yourself…

Elle MacPherson: designer of her own internationally successful line of lingerie

Coco Rocha: Former award-winning competitive Irish stepdancer

Daria Werbowy: is a serious painter and has mentioned a desire to open her own gallery and studio

Karolina Kurková: active in humanitarian work with groups such as “Free Arts” and “Global Youth Action Network”

Natalia Vodianova: learned to speak English in three months on the advice of a scouting agent; mother of three

Alessandra Ambrosio: National Ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a US-based organization (her father was diagnosed with the disease in the 1990s)

Adriana Lima: fluent in three languages and does volunteer work and provides donations to an orphanage in her hometown in Brazil

Heidi Klum: host and producer of Project Runway; host of Germany’s Next Top Model; mother of three; clothing and jewelry designer

Lily Cole: earned all A’s at her A-levels and earned a place at King’s College, Cambridge. Is also committed to WaterAid, an NGO that is committed to bringing clean water to the world’s poor

Du Juan: former Miss China; trained at the prestigious dance school Shanghai Academy of Dance

Ali Michaels: nationally ranked cross-country runner in the USA.