Ugbad Abdi, a Somali refugee turned supermodel, shares her journey from growing up in a refugee camp to becoming one of the most sought-after models in the fashion world. Discovered on Instagram as a teenager in Des Moines, Abdi has quickly risen to prominence, walking prestigious runways for designers like Valentino, Marc Jacobs, and Chanel. Despite being a devout Muslim and wearing a hijab, Abdi has not faced discrimination in the industry but has been a trailblazer for representation and inclusivity.
Abdi’s journey has been marked by rapid success, with her first professional runway show at Paris Fashion Week being a dream come true for her. She credits her family’s resilience and hope for a better future as the driving force behind her determination to succeed. Abdi’s goal now is to give back to her refugee camp community and help those who are still struggling.
Through her story, Abdi is breaking down barriers and reshaping the standards of beauty and elegance in the fashion world. She is celebrated for her authenticity, resilience, and commitment to staying true to herself and her beliefs. Abdi’s journey from refugee to supermodel is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and the transformative impact of following one’s dreams.
