Christy Turlington Burns is a mother, advocate, social entrepreneur, and founder of the maternal health organization, Every Mother Counts. Having endured a childbirth complication herself, Christy was compelled to direct and produce the documentary, No Woman, No Cry about maternal health challenges that impact the lives of millions of girls and women around the world. Every Mother Counts was launched in 2010 to heighten awareness about our global maternal health crisis. While advocacy remains a key focus, Every Mother Counts has evolved into a 501(c)(3) investing in programs around the world to ensure all women have access to quality maternal healthcare.

Christy has been recognized as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People (2014) and one of Glamour Magazine's Women of the Year (2013). In March 2016, Every Mother Counts was recognized as one of Fast Company magazine’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Not-For-Profit (2016). Prior to her work as a global maternal health advocate, Christy enjoyed a successful career as a model while continuing her education and pursuing other interests. Christy has held positions on the Harvard Medical School Global Health Council, the Harvard School of Public Health Board of Dean’s Advisors and on the advisory Board of New York University's Nursing School. She holds a BA from NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Studies and has studied Public Health at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. A six-time marathon finisher, Christy resides in New York City where she lives with her husband, filmmaker Edward Burns, and their two children.