Quotes from Halima Aden

I remember, when I lived in a refugee camp, it was the people who weren't Somali, the people who came from Western countries, who helped the most. I remember being six and thinking, 'I want to be one of those women,' because I knew how much they helped us.

I mix things from my Somali culture and my American side.

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

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

I like shopping at retail places like JC Penney or Macy's, and maybe buying a top or a shirt, and then buying a skirt from Rue 21 or Forever 21 because they have the maxi skirts, which I appreciate so much, and then topping it off with something that I buy from a Somali shop.

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.

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 is something new.

My favorite part of modeling is backstage. Every day you work with different people, and as much as people learn about my story, I get to learn about theirs.

Wearing modest clothing is a belief, and I'm not going to say that every Muslim woman is in my shoes, but the majority of us do have a choice.

For me, being able to say that my first-ever photo shoot was with one of the most well-known and iconic fashion photographers in the world is unbelievable.

I want to show people there's not just one way of being Muslim.

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.

I learned that when you stand up for what you believe in, you'll get a lot of support. But there are always going to be negative things said about you.

I will stand up for a girl who is being harassed or bullied for choosing to wear revealing clothes. I will stand up for that!

There are so many Muslim women that feel like they don't fit society's standard of beauty. I just wanted to tell them it's OK to be different; being different is beautiful, too.

For a really long time, I thought being different was a negative thing. But as I grew older, I started to realize we were all born to stand out; nobody is born to blend in.

What I do is I always try to educate myself about my neighbors, about the people I meet.

I say this all the time, but my hijab, it really is my crown, and it's something that I bring to the table. It's something that makes me unique. It shows the world who I truly am.

It's important to remember all the millions of people that are starving.

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

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

I did notice growing up that there are so many things, obstacles and things, that people think you can't do because you're Muslim or because you're wearing a hijab. You hear a lot of no's. That was something that I wanted to see change.

I feel like I'm here to bust those misconceptions and stereotypes of Muslim women.

Diversity and inclusion are always something industries should strive for.