Padma Lakshmi is an American author and model most well known for hosting the Emmy-award winning television reality show and cooking competition Top Chef. She has been hosting the show since season two up until its most recent season 17 and serves as an executive producer on the show as well. Padma was born in India, but grew up in both New York and California before studying abroad in Madrid where she was spotted and scouted by a modeling agent. More than a TV personality, Lakshmi is an outspoken activist and advocate for immigration and women’s rights.