Jen Shah's Ethnicity: The 'RHOSLC' Star Is of Tongan and Hawaiian Descent with Mormon Parents

Jen Shah is a familiar face on reality TV, known for her captivating presence rooted in her diverse heritage. However, her path to stardom started with a modest upbringing and challenges tied to her ethnicity.

Jen Shah's ethnicity has played a central role throughout her life, from her early years to her role on "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City." Religion has also been a significant theme, presenting obstacles that have shaped her character.

Jen Shah and her husband, Sharrieff Shah, form a dynamic power couple. She openly shares stories from the early days of their relationship, complicated by her family's strict Mormon faith. Her journey, entwined with the intricacies of ethnicity and religion, truly fascinates fans.

Jen Shah's Parents Hail from Tonga and Hawaii

Jen comes from a diverse background, with parents who have roots in Tonga and Hawaii. Her father, Kaisa, ventured from Tonga to Hawaii for a better life. Jen said of her dad:

"He went there with nothing, you know, in search of making a name for himself in search for a better life and he knew there will be more opportunity in the United States."

In Hawaii, Kaisa met Jen's mother, Charlene, who is of Hawaiian and Chinese descent. However, they faced challenges in the early days of their relationship. Kaisa wasn't always wholeheartedly accepted by Charlene's family, who also happened to adhere to the Mormon faith.

Jen's father founded the National American Tonga Society.

But their love persevered. As Charlene pursued her education, she moved to Utah for university, and Kaisa followed suit. There, they married and later welcomed Jen, their first child.

Jen Shah's Challenging Childhood in Utah

In Polynesian culture, giving the first grandchild to the grandparents was customary, although this practice is less common today. As her parents completed their college education, Jen was taken to Hawaii to live with her grandparents.

She spent six to seven years with her grandparents but always visited her parents in Utah before moving permanently. Her parents brought her back to the United States after her grandmother fell ill.

Jen recalled experiencing culture shock growing up as a person of minority in Utah. She found herself to be the only minority in her elementary school when she was younger, as she had a much darker complexion.

Later in her life, when she asked her mom about the first time she had felt different, her mom revealed it happened when Jen was four. Her classmates made fun of her "purple" lips, which upset Jen.

Despite the difficulties she faced, Jen was an active and involved student. She participated in sports, cheerleading, and even played basketball. Her summers were often spent in Hawaii, which provided a welcome respite from the challenges of being a minority in Utah.

Her life was complicated not only by her ethnicity but also by her family's strict Mormon faith. In the early days of her relationship with her husband, Jen encountered challenges due to her upbringing in the Mormon faith.

She recounted that during their university dating days, Sharieff casually mentioned getting engaged, believing it wouldn't be an issue since she wasn't white. Jen's parents, however, were devoted Mormons who wanted her to marry within the faith.

Despite this, Jen was deeply drawn to her husband, a football team captain and a genuinely good person with a warm and welcoming family. Her life took an unexpected turn when she discovered she was pregnant. This news brought fear and uncertainty, contradicting everything she had been raised to believe.

Being the eldest daughter, Jen faced high expectations from her parents. While Sharieff was thrilled about becoming a father, she felt conflicted. She called her mom from a 7/11 store, sharing her pregnancy news and bracing for her family's disappointment.

Given the obstacles posed by her Mormon faith, Jen ultimately chose to leave the religion. This decision aligned with her growing awareness of being a Tongan and Hawaiian in a predominantly white Mormon environment. She became increasingly conscious of the historical mistreatment of black people within the religion.

Despite their differences, Jen and her mother maintain a close relationship. Charlene even appeared on the reality show "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" (RHOSLC).

RHOSLC is part of the "Real Housewives" franchise that has featured prominent reality stars like Bethenny Frankel, Denise Richards, Teresa Giudice, Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, and Lisa Vanderpump.

Her Dad's Lasting Legacy

Her father had passed away, although the exact date of his passing is not known. Her father may have departed from this world, but he left an indelible mark. Jen's father founded the National American Tonga Society.

The organization was the first of its kind, demonstrating how much he cared about preserving Tongan culture in their new homeland. Under Kaisa's leadership as the president, the National American Tonga Society quickly expanded its reach, establishing branches in different states across the United States.

The society served as a support network for Tongans transitioning to life in America, reflecting the close-knit nature of Tongan culture. Kaisa opened his doors to anyone from Tonga who was making their journey to America, welcoming them into his home and supporting them.