Sports Illustrated owes Mario Testino a great deal of gratitude for discovering its 2008 cover goddess and one of its all-time-favorite models. Born in Santa Cruz, California, on August 6, 1978, Marisa Miller met the world-class photographer on SoCal's Manhattan Beach. Shortly afterward, she was turning up in the pages of Vogue and Elle.

Marisa's ascent happened fast. Her first SI Swimsuit edition appearance, in 2001, secured her a place in the industry, and led to work with global brands like Victoria's Secret, J. Crew, and Tommy Hilfiger. Magazines also sought out her remarkable beauty, and Marisa has graced the covers of Self, Shape, and British Cosmopolitan.

True Religion's newest face made a cameo on HBO's Entourage and appeared on The Best Damn Sports Show Period after winning its Smokin' 16 poll for Best Damn Beauty of 2007. The stunner also showed her business savvy when she launched a sneaker and sandal collection for Vans in July 2008.

Marisa's hard work extends beyond her talents as a model. She's extremely dedicated to humanitarian efforts, and in 2005 she participated in the Fashion for Relief benefit to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina. As an ambassador for the American Cancer Society, Marisa specifically focuses on raising breast cancer awareness among women in their twenties. She is also an avid surfer, so serving as a spokesperson for the Surfrider Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving the world's oceans and beaches—is a cause near and dear to her heart.

Marisa loves spending time with her family. Her mother and sisters are nurses, and while Marisa says nursing is a career she may pursue after her modeling days are over, we don't see that happening anytime soon.