Maggie Rizer is an American-born supermodel and activist who passionately supports various causes, including HIV/AIDS foundations. She was born in Staten Island and raised in Northern New York. As a young girl, Maggie’s parents divorced after her father came out as gay. She was fortunate to grow up surrounded by loved ones who respected and supported one another. When Maggie was fourteen, her father, Kevin Rizer, passed away from AIDS.
At 18, Maggie’s mother sent her photos to New York agent Louie Chaban after watching an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show that offered advice on getting a child into modeling. Maggie had been taking photography classes in high school and, having been introduced to fashion brands by her father as a child, was intrigued by the industry.
Although she initially enrolled in college, Maggie decided to take a break after feeling unfulfilled during her first semester. With the fashion world opening its doors to her, she moved to New York, where her career took off almost overnight. Under Louie’s mentorship, Maggie received an unparalleled education in fashion. She was fortunate to earn the support of top magazines, editors, photographers, designers, and makeup and hairstylists. Her career took her around the world, where she shot in stunning locations and walked the runway for nearly every notable fashion designer.
During her time in the fashion industry, Maggie met and later married real estate owner and developer Alex Mehran. Today, they live in the San Francisco East Bay with their four young children, two dogs, and a cat. Maggie and Alex cherish their day-to-day life in the Bay Area and enjoy traveling with their children, spending time at their summer home in Northern New York, and being with friends and family.
