Ubah Hassan is a Somali-Canadian model and TV personality who initially rose to fame as the cover of Ralph Lauren’s S/S 2009 campaign.

Later, Ubah continued working with prominent designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Gucci, Rachel Roy, and Betsey Johnson. In May 2008, Ubah became Model of the Week by Models.com.

Aside from establishing herself as one of the top models in the fashion industry, she is also a television star. Hassan was spotlighted when she joined the 14th season of the Bravo reality series The Real Housewives of New York City.

Ubah Hassan Biography

Early Life

Ubah Ali Hassan was (born on August 27, 1987), in a Muslim family in Somalia. She decided to stay with her father and brother in Somalia after her mother and sister were relocated to Ethiopia in 1991.

Ubah, her dad, and her brother moved to Kenya in 1994 before Ubah immigrated to Canada when she was 15 in 1997. She met her mother and sister in Canada, who had already immigrated to this country earlier. Ubah’s family lived in a homeless shelter for one year after moving to Canada.

Career

Ubah’s modeling career began in Canada when she was scouted by a photographer at a park at 17. From there, she continued modeling for management in Toronto and Vancouver.

In 2007, Ubah signed with “Click Model Management” in New York City and caught the attention of high-profile photographers. Soon, she began doing walking fashion runways along with successful photoshoots.

The year 2008 presented several opportunities for Hassan. She was featured in an Allure magazine editorial spread and became Model.com’s Model of the Week. In July 2008 and January 2009, Ubah was featured in Vogue Italia’s “Black Issue” and Vogue’s “Soul Kitchen Issue,” respectively.

Ubah Hassan became a household name in the fashion world after being the face of Ralph Lauren’s Spring/Summer 2009 campaign. During that period, she was at the peak of her career and was working for high-end designers, labels, and management.

Hassan had deals with Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, Lucky Brand Jeans, CoverGirl, Malan Breton, Rachel Roy, Betsey Johnson, Macy’s, and Polaroid. As of 2023, she is still signed with “Richard’s International Model Management” in Vancouver and “Models 1” in London after having contracts with numerous other brands.

In early 2015, Joe Berlinger’s documentary short film titled Ubah! was premiered on CNN.com featuring Ubah. In this movie, she talks about growing up in Somalia, her modeling period, and her charitable work in Cambodia.

Besides this, while living in Canada, Ubah tried her hand at business by launching her restaurant. Additionally, she founded the African-inspired vegan hot sauce brand named Ubah Hot.

In July 2021, Hassan got a chance to appear in 7th episode of the Netflix reality series, “My Unorthodox Life,” in its first season. She appeared alongside Julia Haart and discussed her hot sauce business.

The Real Housewives of New York City

Ubah Hassan made headlines in the entertainment industry after she was announced to join the RHONY in October 2022. She became cast on The Real Housewives of New York City season 14 and began appearing with other contestants in July 2023.

The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY) follows the lives of Sai De Silva, Ubah Hassan, Erin Dana Lichy, Jessel Taank, Brynn Whitfield, and Jenna Lyons. Ubah Hassan earned a net worth of $1.5 Million thanks to her success.

Charitable Work

Hassan earned a lot of reputation in the country for her philanthropic work. In 2012, she co-founded the “Maji Umbrellas” with Oxfam. Ubah served as the company’s president, helped sell umbrellas, and donated to East Africa. As a result of her work with “Maji Umbrellas,” she earned the Elle magazine Genius Award.

Moreover, Hassan also collaborated with TOMS charity in Cambodia, later working with the non-profit organization All Hands and Hearts. 

Career Highlights

• Being the face of Ralph Lauren’s S/S 2009 campaign
• Working for popular designers Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Rachel Roy, and Oscar de la Renta
• The Real Housewives of New York City (Reality show, 2023)

Ubah Hassan Net Worth

Ubah Hassan is a Somali-Canadian model and TV personality with a net worth of $1.5 million. She gained fame as the face of Ralph Lauren’s S/S 2009 campaign and as a cast member on RHONY. However, she accumulated most of her wealth through modeling work, brand endorsements, social media, and various business ventures.

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