Zohre Esmaeli

Zohre Esmaeli grows up in Kabul, Afghanistan and escapes to Germany together with her family in 1998 – 6 months full of deprivation and disconcerting experiences for the thirteen-year-old. A model scout spotted her while shopping when she was 17 and Esmaeli took it as a chance to build an independent life and jumpstart a professional career. A short while later she moves to Paris as the first step into becoming a successful model. Fashion capitals like Milan, London and New York. But modeling is not enough for her: Zohre Esmaeli wants to share her experiences with other people in similar situations to ease their start into a new life. That’s why she initiates different integrative projects like “Culture Coaches” and supports organizations like “Afghanistan - Hilfe, die Ankommt e.V.”

Zohre Esmaelis autobiography “Meine neue Freiheit – Von Kabul über den Laufsteg zu mir selbst” was published in 2014 and tells her very personal history.

In 2016 she won the Change Award for her versatile dedication. She is the new face of the "Germany-Land of Ideas" Campaign after Claudia Schiffer and also appointed to the Franco-German Integration Council by Federal Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere.

She is also a jury member at the German Integration Prize of the Hertie Foundation. The new face of the upcoming DRK campaign.

As speaker Zohre includes her personal history in her authentic presentations and passes on her motivation. She speaks with optimism and emphasis about means to overcome cultural differences and brings her audience to take their wants and needs seriously and put changes into action. Zohre is a welcome guest on TV shows and radio like “Lanz”, “Thadeusz” and “Deutschlandradio” thanks to her inspiring personality.

Zohre is one of the only afghan models worldwide. Thanks to her distinctive look and cheerful charisma, she’s successful internationally as commercial as well as fashion editorial and runway model.