Tyra Lynne Banks, also known as BanX, is an American media mogul, television host, supermodel, and entrepreneur. She began her career as a model at the age of 15, quickly rising to prominence as one of the few Black models to achieve supermodel status. She made history as the first African American woman featured on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, appearing on the latter three times. Banks served as a Victoria's Secret Angel from 1997 to 2005 and by the early 2000s was among the world's top-earning models, working with major brands like CoverGirl. Transitioning to television, she hosted the long-running modeling competition America's Next Top Model from 2003 to 2015 and 2017 to 2018, as well as The Tyra Banks Show. She founded Bankable Productions and launched TYRA Beauty, a cosmetics line focused on empowerment. Banks participated in Harvard Business School's Owner/President Management Program and co-developed a personal branding course at Stanford University, establishing herself as an advocate for diversity, positive body image, and self-confidence in fashion and media.