When people hear the name Rishia Haas, many immediately connect her to the award-winning television personality and chef, Andrew Zimmern. While her connection to Zimmern brought her into the public spotlight, her life story is far more meaningful than just being known as a celebrity’s former wife. Rishia is an educated, compassionate, and accomplished woman who built her own career, raised a family, and contributed to causes close to her heart. This article takes a closer look at her life—from her early years and career to her marriage, motherhood, and life after divorce.
Quick Bio Information
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Full Name: Rishia Haas
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Date of Birth: July 17, 1978
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Place of Birth: United States
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Education: Augsburg College, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Profession: Administrative Professional in Recovery and Treatment Centers
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Known For: Former wife of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern
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Marriage Date: December 26, 2002
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Divorce: After nearly 20 years of marriage
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Children: One son, Noah Zimmern (born 2005)
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Residence: Edina, Minnesota
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Interests: Gardening, cooking, charitable work
Early Life And Background
Rishia Haas was born on July 17, 1978, in the United States. Although much of her early childhood remains private, what is known paints a picture of a thoughtful and hardworking individual. She grew up in a supportive family that emphasized education and strong values, shaping the foundation of who she would later become. After finishing school, Rishia attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she pursued her higher education. Her time at Augsburg gave her the tools to step confidently into a career that focused on service, organization, and helping others.
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Career Journey: Building Her Own Professional Path
Unlike many spouses of celebrities who are often overshadowed by their partner’s fame, Rishia Haas built a professional identity rooted in meaningful work. Her early career began at The Retreat Alive with the Spirit, a rehabilitation center in Wayzata, Minnesota. There, she took on administrative responsibilities, ensuring that operations ran smoothly while supporting the center’s mission of recovery and healing. Later, she joined the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, one of the most respected addiction treatment and recovery organizations in the United States. Her work highlighted her dedication to supporting people battling addiction, a field that requires empathy, organization, and resilience. Through these roles, she demonstrated that her life’s focus was on making a difference for others, not chasing the spotlight.
Meeting Andrew Zimmern: How Their Love Story Began
The paths of Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern crossed in 2000 at a cooking school in Minnesota. At the time, Zimmern was already on his way to becoming one of the most recognizable names in the culinary world. Rishia, with her warm personality and intelligence, captured his attention almost immediately. Their connection grew quickly, and it did not take long for their professional acquaintance to develop into a personal relationship. Their shared interests in food, culture, and helping others laid the groundwork for a meaningful partnership.
Marriage And Family Life
Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern married on December 26, 2002, in a private ceremony surrounded by close family and friends. Their marriage brought together two people with very different lifestyles—Zimmern’s life of travel and television appearances, and Rishia’s preference for stability and privacy. Despite the challenges of being married to someone constantly in the public eye, they built a loving home together. In 2005, the couple welcomed their son, Noah Zimmern, who became the center of their world. The family settled in Edina, Minnesota, where they enjoyed a quieter life, away from constant media attention.
Life As Andrew Zimmern’s Wife
Being married to a celebrity chef meant that Rishia Haas occasionally stepped into the public eye. She was seen at culinary events, premieres, and public appearances with Zimmern. Still, she chose not to chase fame herself. Instead, she focused on her own career and raising her son. Many admired her ability to maintain a sense of normalcy while her husband’s career took him across the globe. Her balance between public appearances and private family life made her stand out as someone who valued authenticity over celebrity status.
Divorce: Why Did Rishia Haas And Andrew Zimmern Separate?
After nearly two decades of marriage, Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern decided to part ways. While neither has shared detailed reasons publicly, Zimmern has spoken openly in interviews about how the pressures of his career and constant travel placed strain on their relationship. Despite the end of their marriage, both remained committed to raising their son Noah together. Their divorce reflects the reality that even high-profile couples face personal challenges, but it also highlights the respect they maintained for one another throughout the process.
Life After Divorce: Where Is Rishia Haas Now?
Since her separation from Andrew Zimmern, Rishia Haas has maintained her preference for privacy. She continues to live in Minnesota, focusing on her family and professional responsibilities. Unlike many who remain tied to the fame of their former spouse, she has built her life around stability, meaningful work, and motherhood. By keeping a low profile, she has shown that her identity is not solely defined by her past marriage, but by her own choices and commitments.
Personal Interests And Hobbies
Beyond her professional and family life, Rishia Haas has personal interests that bring her joy. She has a love for gardening, spending hours tending to plants and enjoying the peace it brings. Cooking is another passion, which naturally connected her to Andrew Zimmern during their marriage, but remains something she enjoys personally. In addition to her hobbies, she supports charitable efforts, especially those linked to addiction recovery and food security. Her quiet yet consistent dedication to such causes shows her character as someone who values community and service.
Public Image: Staying Low-Key Despite Media Attention
Even though her name is often associated with a famous television personality, Rishia Haas has deliberately avoided stepping fully into the spotlight. While she occasionally appears at events, she rarely seeks media attention. This intentional decision to remain low-key has earned her admiration from those who appreciate her grounded and authentic lifestyle. In a world where many people pursue visibility, Rishia represents a refreshing choice to value privacy and family above public recognition.
Rishia Haas As A Mother
One of the most defining roles of Rishia Haas’s life is being a mother to Noah Zimmern. Friends and family describe her as deeply devoted to ensuring Noah has a grounded upbringing, even with the influence of his father’s fame. After her divorce, she worked closely with Andrew Zimmern to co-parent Noah, showing a healthy example of shared responsibility. Her role as a mother is not just about raising a child but also about instilling values of compassion, humility, and resilience.
Conclusion: Why Rishia Haas’s Story Matters
The story of Rishia Haas is a reminder that true strength often lies behind the scenes. While she may be best known as Andrew Zimmern’s former wife, her life is filled with achievements, dedication, and compassion that stand on their own. From her work in addiction recovery organizations to her role as a mother and her commitment to living authentically, she is someone worth learning about. Her journey reflects resilience, quiet strength, and the power of staying true to oneself, even when surrounded by fame.
FAQs About Rishia Haas
Who Is Rishia Haas?
Rishia Haas is best known as the former wife of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, but she is also a dedicated professional and mother who has worked in addiction recovery organizations.
When Was Rishia Haas Born?
She was born on July 17, 1978, in the United States.
What Is Rishia Haas’s Profession?
She has worked in administrative roles at organizations such as The Retreat Alive with the Spirit and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, both focused on recovery and addiction treatment.
Is Rishia Haas Still Married To Andrew Zimmern?
No, Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern divorced after nearly two decades of marriage, but they continue to co-parent their son.
Does Rishia Haas Have Children?
Yes, she has one son, Noah Zimmern, born in 2005.
Where Does Rishia Haas Live Now?
She resides in Edina, Minnesota, and leads a private life away from the media spotlight.
What Are Rishia Haas’s Interests?
She enjoys gardening, cooking, and supporting charitable causes, particularly those connected to recovery and food security.
