Christy Turlington Burns is a mother, advocate, and founder and CEO of the maternal health organization Every Mother Counts [1]. Having endured a childbirth complication herself, Christy was compelled to learn more about the global maternal health tragedy that claims the lives of over 300,000 women every year. She founded Every Mother Counts to educate others and invest in programs around the world to ensure all women have access to quality maternal health care. The organization currently works with 11 grantees in eight countries including the US, Tanzania, Haiti, and Bangladesh.

The mission of Every Mother Counts is to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere. Keep scrolling to find out what drives this powerful mom of two, and support her organization [2] this Mother's Day by sharing their #OrangeRose Mother's Day campaign.

Power Your Happy Q & A

What advice would you give your 22-year-old self?

Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

What talent or passion have you been able to use in your career in an unexpected way?

I have an exceptional memory, which is really handy with statistics and names.

What is the one thing that influenced your career today? When was the moment when you realized you were on the right path?

Most days I am pretty certain I am doing what I should be doing. The only event that I am certain set me on my current course was becoming a mother. The day that I became a mother, I also became a global health advocate.

What does "finding your happy" mean to you? Do you feel you've "found it"?

I don't strive for happiness as much as contentment in my daily life. It feels both more achievable and sustainable, too.

Speed round: what powers your happy?

My family and my work through Every Mother Counts.

Guilty pleasure?

I practice nonguilt.

Favorite curse word?

Shite, Irish for sh*t.

Happy place?

Tanzania, Guatemala, Haiti, India . . . pretty much all the places I get to travel to visit our grantee partners on a fairly regular basis. It’s not just happy, but also inspiring to be in the field and experience the work firsthand that we are supporting to help women access lifesaving maternity care.

Heels or flats?

Barefoot, or flats.

The one thing you can’t leave home without?

My keys to home and my office.

Favorite junk food?

French fries.

Favorite healthy food?

Avocado.

Favorite workout?

Yoga, then running.

Favorite splurge?

Travel.

Favorite music?

Anything U-2.

Prized possession?

My photography collection.

First thing you do when you wake up?

Throw cold water on my face.

Last thing you do before going to bed?

Kiss one of my loved ones.