It’s the most famous of RuPaul’s caustic catchphrases, and one that drag artist BeBe Zahara Benet lived by on the Logo reality competition “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

As the first season winner of the campy contest, Benet – whose legal name is Nea Ngwa Marshall Kudi – received a feature photo spread in Paper magazine; a portrait taken by renowned photographer Greg Gorman for the L.A. Eyeworks legendary designer eyewear campaign; a headlining spot on the Absolut Pride Tour; and $20,000 in cash.

But perhaps the most important prize is one that can’t be quantified – the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”

And Kudi – who was raised in Cameroon and worked in France before moving to the United States – doesn’t take the honor lightly.

“Winning the race has not changed me; I’m still the same person I was before the win,” he says. “But I will say that I am blessed to see that my persona inspires a lot of people who find a connection with [BeBe], and as an artist, that’s huge – even money can’t buy that. As for my career, this is a stepping stone to take my artistry to the next level, and I’m thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way and those that are still to come.”

A testament to that humble statement is Kudi’s life after the win. Since the show ended, he has returned to his home in Minneapolis, Minn., and to his job as a cast member at the La Femme Show Lounge.

“People talk about ‘achieving status’ so much. I think it’s more important to focus on how you are impacting others and the world with said status,” he says. “For me, it’s not so much about the status, per say, but what work I am doing to move people forward.”

That work includes an upcoming EP titled “Beautiful Day: Prelude to the Dance,” and charitable contributions on behalf of the less fortunate living in his native Cameroon.

“I want to empower and inspire people through my artistry. I want to make change, on many levels,” Kudi says. “To start, I want to be able to bring resources to my home country for two projects – first, HIV resources; and, second, to establish art and music resources for the youth to explore the creative.”

As much as Kudi aims to inspire others, however, there are still those who inspire him. His alter ego, who has just been passed RuPaul’s crown, is the product of an inspirational moment during his days as a male model on the runways of France: During a show, when some of the female models failed to appear, Kudi was asked to step in – as a female. Identifying the opportunity as a chance to creatively channel that inspiration, Bebe Zahara Benet was born.

“I get my inspiration from different people, experiences, cultures, environments and artists, but I have always been inspired by female role models that I grew up with, and my mom is number one, so I strive to empower women and create and celebrate all kinds of beauty,” he says.

While Kudi is empowering others, he knows, however, that not everyone is empowered by him. Much of mainstream America still doesn’t wholly understand or accept drag culture. But he hopes that people like him and shows like “Drag Race” will help usher in that change.

“The media just have to do us justice by showcasing who we really are, the right way and with respect. ‘Drag Race’ has sown the seed, and now more people are looking at our art in a new light, and accepting it as a legitimate career. We still have a long way to go, but nothing is impossible.”

Visit www.bebezaharabenet.com.