Who is Nessa Diab? The woman beside Colin Kaepernick who stole the spotlight at Met Gala 2025

When Colin Kaepernick stepped onto the Met Gala 2025 red carpet, all eyes were on the woman standing beside him, radio personality, media mogul, and activist Nessa Diab. While their matching look turned heads, it wasn’t just about fashion. This was a statement, two powerful figures in activism and media showing up not for glam alone, but to remind the world who they are and what they stand for.

And while many know Kaepernick for his iconic NFL protest, fewer truly know the powerhouse Nessa has quietly become. But her Met Gala presence? Oh, it made sure people started paying attention.

At this year’s Met Gala themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, Nessa and Colin didn’t just bring elegance, they brought intention. Dressed in a sleek black ensemble that honored the theme’s essence, Nessa looked regal, calm, and commanding, complementing Kaepernick’s tailored yet bold statement fit.


Born to Egyptian parents and raised between Saudi Arabia and California, Nessa’s childhood was far from ordinary. She’s spoken about the fear and instability of growing up in the Middle East—bombings, security compounds, and daily tension were part of her normal. Her father worked multiple jobs, her mother, though a scientist, was denied opportunities in the U.S. due to being “overqualified.”
It’s that background that forged Nessa’s unapologetic voice and relentless drive. She understood the struggle early. And instead of running from it, she amplified it.


Nessa first gained national attention hosting Girl Code on MTV, where her quick wit and relatability made her a fan favorite. She went on to host reunion specials for Teen Mom, The Real World, and The Challenge, cementing herself as a familiar face across pop culture.

She then transitioned into radio, landing one of the most coveted slots on New York's Hot 97. Her show, Nessa On Air, is syndicated nationwide, and she’s since become one of the most recognizable voices in urban radio.

Beyond the media, Nessa’s influence runs deep in activism. Since 2015, she and Colin have been partners not just in love but in purpose. They launched the Know Your Rights Camp, a nonprofit empowering Black and Brown youth through education, self-empowerment, and civic awareness.

They also co-founded Ra Vision Media, a production company dedicated to underrepresented voices. And in 2022, they embraced parenthood, welcoming their baby girl—an experience Nessa described as “humbling, beautiful, and deeply personal.”

Let’s set the record straight: Nessa Diab isn’t just walking red carpets beside an activist-athlete, she’s one herself. Her Met Gala appearance wasn’t just a plus-one moment; it was a loud, clear reminder that behind every revolutionary moment is often a woman doing the work, too.
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