Natural hair? Check!

Intelligence? Check!

Beautiful? Check!

Let me introduce you to Nigerian-American Model Adaora Akubilo, 24, who will be featured in Sports Illustrated’s 2012 Swimsuit Issue.

In 2007, Adaora Akubilo appeared on NBC as one of the 12 finalists in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search. Even though Akubilo was eliminated in the second week of the competition, she clearly didn’t let that stop her from pursuing her dream of modeling. And Sports Illustrated did not forget her.

Since 2007 Adaora has worked for Garnier Nutrisse, Burt’s Bees, Verizon Wireless,Target, Zappos, House of Dereon, Ray Ban, Essence, Seventeen, Abercrombie, Glamour, CosmoGirl, Agatha, Mary Kay, YourProm, Jewel and Ebony Magazine.

With this spot in Sports Illustrated, one of the most coveted placements in the modeling industry, Akubilo’s career will undoubtedly soar to even more spectacular heights. Naomi and Alek, make way for Adaora!