In the heart of Kakuma, a sprawling refugee camp in Kenya, a young girl named Halima Aden was born on September 19, 1997. Amidst the challenges of camp life, Halima’s family, originally from Somalia, nurtured dreams of a brighter future. At the age of six, these dreams took flight as the family resettled in St. Cloud, Minnesota, embarking on a journey that would see Halima break barriers and redefine beauty standards on a global scale. Halima Aden’s journey from a refugee camp to international runways exemplifies resilience, authenticity, and the power of staying true to oneself. She continues to inspire millions by challenging norms, advocating for inclusivity, and proving that beauty transcends boundaries.
Transitioning to life in the United States presented its own set of challenges. Halima, speaking only Somali and Swahili, was thrust into an English-speaking school system without language immersion support. Demonstrating resilience and determination, she not only mastered the language but excelled academically, eventually enrolling in advanced placement English classes. Her high school years at Apollo High School were marked by a historic achievement: Halima became the school’s first Somali-American homecoming queen, a testament to her ability to bridge cultural divides and inspire those around her.
In 2016, Halima’s journey took a groundbreaking turn when she entered the Miss Minnesota USA pageant. Defying traditional norms, she became the first contestant to compete wearing a hijab and burkini, challenging conventional beauty standards and advocating for inclusivity. Her participation garnered national attention, leading to a contract with IMG Models in 2017. This partnership paved the way for her debut at New York Fashion Week, where she walked for Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 5, marking the beginning of a trailblazing career in fashion.
Halima’s influence extended beyond the runway. She graced the covers of prestigious magazines such as Vogue Arabia, Allure, and British Vogue, each feature highlighting her commitment to representing Muslim women in mainstream media. In a historic move, she appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2019, donning a hijab and burkini, further challenging societal perceptions and promoting modest fashion.
Despite her rapid ascent in the fashion industry, Halima remained grounded in her values. In November 2020, she made the courageous decision to step back from runway modeling, citing conflicts with her religious beliefs and personal boundaries. This hiatus allowed her to reflect and realign her career with her principles. By 2021, Halima re-emerged in the fashion scene on her own terms, collaborating with modest fashion retailer Modanisa as a global brand ambassador and designer. This partnership enabled her to create fashion that resonates with her identity and offers representation to Muslim women worldwide.
Beyond modeling, Halima’s passion for advocacy led her to become a UNICEF Ambassador in 2018. In this role, she focuses on children’s rights, drawing from her own experiences as a refugee to shed light on the challenges faced by displaced youth. Her return to Kakuma in 2018 was a poignant moment, as she connected with children who, like her, aspire for a better future despite the odds.