MINNESOTA (NBC) — A Minnesota pageant contestant is being called a winner even though she was not crowned.
Halima Aden was the first person to compete in Miss Minnesota USA, wearing a hijab and a burkini during the swimsuit portion of the competition last night.
Since people found out about her story, she has received messages from women around the world supporting her.
Aden went up against 44 other women in the pageant, and says she is overwhelmed with happiness to be named in the top 15.
Halima adds that having the courage to stand up and show everyone who she is, is the beauty she is proud of.
“This is a big win for us,” Aden said. “I’m hoping to see more Muslim women wearing burkinis and being celebrated.”