Halima Aden

Having the chance to walk at New York Fashion Week for Yeezy and Milan Fashion Week for Alberta Ferretti and Max Mara in a hijab is so significant. It sends a message to young women everywhere that you can be beautiful for just being you.

I feel best when I am modestly dressed. It's a choice I make and am proud of; for me, I don't think I have to show skin to be beautiful.

I know that for me, a lot of people will look at me and they'll think 'Somali' or 'outsider' instead of 'Minnesota.'

If there's one message I want people to take away is never compromise being your authentic self. Even if that means making others uncomfortable.

Being Somali, being Muslim, it's always something I've been very proud of.

When you have a lot of women in our state that do wear the hijab, we should be able to see that everywhere.

You don't let being the first to do it stop you or get in the way.

I love Somali foods like canjeero, a pancakelike bread; same for pizza, burgers, and sushi.

I love speaking at schools. That's always my favorite because I wish I'd had someone who was like me come speak at my school.

What I have learned is that designers are willing to tell the world that they are here to empower women from all different backgrounds and different walks of life.

Be who you are. It's easy to feel like you have to blend in, but it takes courage to live your life with conviction and embrace the person that you are.

I want to go see Somalia because I've never been there, and I feel like I'm missing out. I want to learn that heritage; I want to learn about my culture.