Halima Aden

Salima broke ground as the first hijabi fashion model to achieve major mainstream success. She was born 1997 in Kenya of Somalia background and grew up in a refugee camp. After coming to the United States, she went on to begin a career in the fashion industry.

Whether it's growing up in a refugee camp, or an area that's very impoverished, whether it’s being from a small town and making it to the fashion industry — there are so many people who can relate to my stories because it touches them in different ways. I would encourage young people from all different backgrounds, all different nationalities, to really always challenge yourself. You have always people looking up to you, whether it’s people in your family, your little niece, your cousins, you don’t know who you are gonna inspire. So make it your job, and make it a priority, to be the best version of yourself.