Halima Aden

A lot of people had a misconception that I would be the perfect poster child for Islam. So I got a lot…

— Halima Aden

A lot of people will look at you and will fail to see your beauty because you're covered up and they're not…

— Halima Aden

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

— Halima Aden

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

— Halima Aden

Moving to the U.S. was an adjustment. I noticed that the kids played in groups. Back in Kakuma, everyone played together.

— Halima Aden

Always stay true to who you are - barriers can and will be broken!

— Halima Aden

I feel bad for my little cousins who don't see themselves being represented, or the little girls in my community who won't…

— Halima Aden

When people put labels on us, it doesn't always enclose everything that we are. So even though I'm proud to be Somali,…

— Halima Aden

If you think people are against you and that you're a target, things will start appearing that way. I just go about…

— Halima Aden

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

— Halima Aden

Product-wise, I use a morning and night cleanser. I'm really not a brand person.

— Halima Aden

Back in high school, I didn't ever see a Muslim homecoming king or queen - there was never even anyone nominated. It…

— Halima Aden

Wearing modest clothing is a belief, and I'm not going to say that every Muslim woman is in my shoes, but the…

— Halima Aden

I like shopping at retail places like JC Penney or Macy's, and maybe buying a top or a shirt, and then buying…

— Halima Aden

My favorite part of modeling is backstage. Every day you work with different people, and as much as people learn about my…

— Halima Aden

Society puts so much pressure on girls to look a certain way.

— Halima Aden

I think to be Miss U.S.A., first of all, you need to represent everybody, all of us here.

— Halima Aden

How boring would this world be if everyone was the same?

— Halima Aden

Sometimes I'll go with a long hijab, or sometimes I'll wear my scarf and go somewhat business-y with a blazer. Every day…

— Halima Aden

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

— Halima Aden

Skin care is so much more important than makeup. Makeup is for when you're having fun and going out. But your skin…

— Halima Aden

For a really long time, I thought being different was a negative thing. But as I grew older, I started to realize…

— Halima Aden

When I was younger, I didn't have that type of person that I could look up to and be like, 'OK, this…

— Halima Aden

I thought for a very long time that I had to conform or maybe change the way I look, or maybe the…

— Halima Aden

My goal is to send a message to Muslim women and young women everywhere that it's okay to break stereotypes and be…

— Halima Aden