Nessa Diab, known professionally as Nessa, is a prominent American radio and television personality, activist, and host recognized for her work on New York’s iconic hip-hop radio station Hot 97 and her various hosting roles on MTV. She is also widely known for her relationship with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and their shared commitment to social justice advocacy. Together, they co-founded the Know Your Rights Camp, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Black and Brown youth. Her multifaceted career and outspoken nature have made her a significant voice in both entertainment and social activism.
Nessa Diab Overview
| Real Name | Nessa Diab |
| Date of Birth | May 6, 1981 |
| Age | 44 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Family | Egyptian immigrant parents, two brothers. |
| Partner | Colin Kaepernick (since 2015) |
| Children | One child, born in 2022. |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Profession | Radio and television host, activist. |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education of Nessa Diab
Nessa Diab was born on May 6, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, to Egyptian parents who had immigrated to the United States. She has two brothers. Growing up, her family’s life was marked by frequent moves between Southern California and Saudi Arabia due to her father’s job. This upbringing exposed her to different cultures and also to conflict, as she recalled living through the Gulf War and experiencing bombings and terrorist attacks as a normal part of her childhood in Saudi Arabia. Her parents’ work ethic left a strong impression on her; her father took on multiple jobs, including as a security guard, while getting his Egyptian university credits transferred at UCLA. Her mother, a scientist, worked cleaning hotels because she was considered overqualified for other positions.
Diab pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications. Her interest in media and music began early, and she started writing and remixing songs from a young age.
Nessa Diab’s Career
Radio Career
Nessa’s career in media began while she was still in college, with an internship at the San Francisco Bay Area Top 40 station Wild 94.9. She eventually got her own show, “The Baydestrian Report,” which covered local news. She also hosted the “West Coast Report” on POWER 106 KPWR in Los Angeles, making her a presence in two of the largest radio markets on the West Coast simultaneously. Her big break in radio came when she took over the primetime evening slot with “Nessa’s Night Show” at Wild 94.9. This success led her to New York City, where she became the host of the afternoon drive-time show “Nessa on Air” on the legendary hip-hop station Hot 97. The show is nationally syndicated in over 15 markets and became the #1 hip-hop show in the afternoons for the 18-34 demographic.
Television Host
Nessa’s rising prominence in radio and her engaging interviews on YouTube caught the attention of MTV. She became a household name as a host on the popular comedy series Girl Code. This role opened the door to numerous other hosting opportunities across MTV and VH1, including reunion specials for shows like The Real World, Teen Mom, and The Challenge. In 2018, she took over as the host of the NBCUniversal interview show Talk Stoop for one season, a role for which she received a New York Emmy nomination. She also hosts a podcast titled “Nessa Off Air.”
Nessa Diab Personal Life & Family
Nessa Diab has been in a long-term relationship with former NFL quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick since 2015. They made their relationship public in February 2016 at a charity event. The couple welcomed their first child in the summer of 2022. Nessa has been a vocal and steadfast supporter of Kaepernick, particularly in the face of criticism for his activism and his kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice. In July 2025, Nessa publicly stated that she and Kaepernick are married.
The family resides together, and Nessa has often spoken about Kaepernick’s role as an “amazing dad.” She is Muslim and has spoken about her family’s background and the sacrifices they made. Her personal life is deeply intertwined with her activism, a passion she shares with Kaepernick.
Awards and Achievements of Nessa Diab
While a comprehensive list of awards is not publicly aggregated, a significant achievement in Nessa Diab’s career is her New York Emmy nomination for her work as the host of the interview show Talk Stoop.
- New York Emmy Nomination for “Talk Stoop”
Nessa Diab Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Nessa Diab’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. Her income is primarily derived from her successful career as a radio and television host for major outlets like Hot 97 and MTV, as well as her nationally syndicated radio show. She also earns income from her podcast and various hosting engagements.
Legacy and Influence
Nessa Diab’s legacy is characterized by her dual roles as a prominent media personality and a dedicated activist. She has used her platform to champion women’s issues, including reproductive rights, and has spoken at the United Nations about women in media. In 2015, she toured college campuses for the Plan B One-Step’s “Perfectly Imperfect” campaign to educate women about their healthcare options.
Her most significant legacy project is the Know Your Rights Camp (KYRC), which she co-founded with Colin Kaepernick in 2016. KYRC is a youth-empowerment initiative that provides education and resources to Black and Brown communities. The organization has expanded to include COVID-19 relief funds and a legal defense initiative for victims of police brutality. Diab also spearheaded the distribution of Kaepernick’s Million Dollar Pledge to various community organizations. Additionally, she mentors students and created the Nessa On Air Scholarship program with the Lower East Side Girls Club.
Together with Kaepernick, she also founded Ra Vision Media, a production company aimed at showcasing the talents of Black and Brown creators. In October 2024, the couple published a children’s book, We Are Free, You & Me, with all proceeds benefiting KYRC.
Interesting Facts about Nessa Diab
- She spent a significant part of her childhood in Saudi Arabia and experienced the Gulf War firsthand, which she says shaped her perspective on life.
- Before her official start in radio, a remix she made of the Destiny’s Child song “Soldier” was played on the air.
- She spoke at the United Nations headquarters in 2015 to discuss the challenges women face in the media industry.
- She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in mass communications.
- She and Colin Kaepernick attended the Met Gala together in 2019, wearing outfits inspired by their Ghanaian and Egyptian roots.
Controversies
Nessa Diab has been a vocal critic of the NFL and has consistently defended Colin Kaepernick’s activism. She has accused the league of blackballing him for his peaceful protests. In July 2025, she publicly accused Jay-Z and Roc Nation of using “smear campaign tactics” against Kaepernick and co-opting his protest to benefit the NFL’s public image. She alleged that Roc Nation was paid to help the NFL “move beyond the controversy” surrounding Kaepernick. This has placed her at the center of ongoing discussions about the intersection of sports, entertainment, and social justice activism.
Social Media Presence
Nessa Diab maintains an active presence on social media, where she promotes her work and engages in social advocacy. As of late 2024, her influence is reflected in her substantial following:
- Instagram: Over 499,000 followers
- Twitter (X): Over 144,900 followers
- YouTube: Her “Nessa On Air” channel has a significant following, and her “Talk Stoop” channel had over 21,000 subscribers.
Final Words about Nessa Diab
Nessa Diab continues to be a powerful and influential figure in American media and activism. As of 2025, she remains the host of “Nessa on Air” on Hot 97 and continues her work with various MTV properties. Her partnership with Colin Kaepernick, both personally as his wife and professionally through their joint ventures like the Know Your Rights Camp and Ra Vision Media, remains a central part of her public life. Her future plans appear focused on continuing to build these platforms, advocating for social justice, and raising their child. Through her unwavering voice and dedication, Nessa Diab has solidified her legacy as more than just a media personality, but as a committed agent of change.
