Profile: USA 2010 -

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  • USO Trip to Spain and Portugal

    posted by Rima Fakih at 1:56pm on 06/17/2011

    I had the privilege of traveling to Spain and Portugal to visit our brave troops and their families. As Miss USA I attend many events throughout my reign, wearing the respected Miss USA sash. Wearing my sash during my visit with our troops was truly an honor. Our troops whole-heartedly dedicate and ... more

    9 comments

  • Thank you for your support!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 11:22am on 05/16/2011

    Hello Miss Universe Organization Fans,   I want to start by thanking you all for being loyal fans and for reading our blogs. Your support for me, Ximena and Kamie is what keeps us going!   Many of you have watched or heard that I was a contestant on WWE’s reality show ‘Toug ... more

    0 comments

  • It's already May!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 3:00pm on 05/10/2011

    Hey Friends! Another week of my reign has passed in a flash! I can’t believe that it is already the second week of May. This past year has gone by in the blink of an eye! I became very sad while I packed up my apartment this week because I realized that I only have a couple more weeks left be ... more

    0 comments

  • Where Did The Time Go!?

    posted by Rima Fakih at 3:57pm on 05/03/2011

    Wow! I cannot believe it’s already the end of April. I feel so sad that it’s almost my time to give up the crown. However when I look back on my year and realize all that I have done it amazes me! My dream really did come true! My recent appearance on WWE’s reality show “Tou ... more

    2 comments

  • Red Nose on the Red Carpet!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 12:52pm on 04/15/2011

    Hello Everyone, This week I’ve been fighting a nasty cold. I started feeling sick while at an event in Los Angeles, and I’ve spent the rest of the week hiding my red nose on the red carpet! This week I attended the City Harvest Gala and a Hot Pink Party benefitting breast cancer researc ... more

    0 comments

  • SmackDown Queen to Miss USA

    posted by Rima Fakih at 3:00pm on 04/14/2011

    Hey!!! I don't know where to start because so many exciting things have been going on. Who watched me on Tough Enough which premiered on April 4? It was such an exciting experience. I was so happy when Paula told me I could take time off of Miss USA duties to participate in Tough Enough, but it&rsq ... more

    0 comments

  • I'm Back!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 1:00pm on 03/28/2011

      Hey Guys!   I missed all of you so much! I was away for a month shooting WWE's reality show "Tough Enough" in Simi Valley, California. I think you will all enjoy watching me compete against 13 people in crazy challenges and battling it out in the wrestling ring. I have been ... more

    3 comments

  • Heading Out of Town for a Secret Appearance

    posted by Rima Fakih at 8:43am on 02/14/2011

    Hello! Time is flying rapidly! I cannot believe I am more than halfway through my rein. I had another exciting week filled with TV interviews and events for NYC Fashion Week. My favorite part of the week was filming an exciting TV program with my boss, Mr. Trump which is to air in the spring. I alw ... more

    3 comments

  • Who's Ready for the Super Bowl?

    posted by Rima Fakih at 3:19pm on 02/11/2011

    Hello Everyone! Who's ready for Super Bowl? I know I'm ready to cheer on the Green Bay Packers. I remember when the Super Bowl was in Detroit. Because the tickets were so expensive, my best friend Yasmeen and I started looking for cheap opportunities to attend. At the time we were still students at ... more

    1 comments

  • Oh No! I’ve Lost My Crown!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 9:31am on 01/31/2011

    Hello Everyone! Gotcha! I'm referring to my new video, “Miss USA Loses Her Crown.” I know I had a lot of you scared! My phone would not stop ringing with calls from concerned friends and family. If you haven’t seen it yet, click here to check it out! I can't believe how much it snow ... more

    2 comments

  • J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 7:35am on 01/24/2011

    Hey Everyone! I had a great start to my week watching the New York Jets beat the Patriots. I always get so excited during playoffs as the Super Bowl approaches. I'm such a tomboy when it comes to sports. Thursday night the MUO staff, Ximena, and I surprised Kamie at her final monologue presentatio ... more

    0 comments

  • Busy As Ever in a Snowy New York!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 7:11am on 01/17/2011

    Hello All! I had a great week! Earlier in the week I was invited to a private party for Kevin Spacey. Mr. Spacey was kind enough to chat with me and give me advice on becoming a successful actress. I will never forget his amazing performance in the movie “American Beauty” and in so many ... more

    0 comments

  • Starting Out the New Year…

    posted by Rima Fakih at 11:02am on 01/10/2011

    Happy New Year! 2011 is here and I can't believe I'm already halfway through my reign. I never want it to end! 2010 was a very memorable year for me. I look forward to continuing to live my dream through 2011. My reign has opened so many doors for me and I hope with the help of MUO I will someday ... more

    0 comments

  • Ringing in the New Year in Times Square

    posted by Rima Fakih at 8:15am on 01/04/2011

    Hey Everyone! I just landed back in New York City! I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. I feel like it was just yesterday that I loaded up my rental car for the drive home to Dearborn for the holidays. I spent my time at home cooking, spending time with my little brother and relaxing. Are y ... more

    1 comments

  • No Place Like Home for the Holidays

    posted by Rima Fakih at 9:27am on 12/28/2010

    Hi Everybody, I can't believe it’s almost Christmas! I don't want time to move fast. I want to keep my crown forever! LOL I decided to take a nice road trip and drive home for the holidays. On my 11 hour journey, I stopped in every state and explored small cities. I loved the adventure! Mayb ... more

    1 comments

  • Wishing You A Safe and Happy Holidays

    posted by Rima Fakih at 9:09am on 12/28/2010

    Hello MUO Fans! This past week went by fast! I had an amazing time with my MUO family at our holiday party. During the party Ximena, Kamie and I snuck up on stage and performed our holiday video live. It was hilarious! The highlight of my week had to have been my second Fadil photo shoot. Check o ... more

    1 comments

  • It’s Christmas Time in the City!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 2:54pm on 12/10/2010

    Happy Holidays Everyone! Have you seen our holiday video? It is truly a must see! Click here to check it out. Thanks to all those who watched the video and left wonderful comments on Twitter. It was such a cold week in New York City! Everyday I would put on three sweaters, a hat, gloves and a big ... more

    0 comments

  • Working with WWE

    posted by Rima Fakih at 8:52am on 12/07/2010

    What a week! I was a guest host on WWE’s Monday Night RAW LIVE from Philadelphia. It was amazing to meet the great Steve McMahon and Triple H. John Cena is so sweet and even more handsome in person. Click here to see photos of me at WWE. I am excited to participate in another WWE event, Tribut ... more

    0 comments

  • Back in the Big Apple

    posted by Rima Fakih at 12:51pm on 11/22/2010

    Hello All, It was nice to spend time at home in Michigan, but I was thrilled to return back to New York City. I screamed like an excited little girl when I walked back into our titleholder apartment. I'm currently writing to you from Miami where I'm attending the Best Buddies Gala. I am ecstatic a ... more

    1 comments

  • A Much Needed Break

    posted by Rima Fakih at 2:22pm on 11/12/2010

    This week I have enjoyed a break from being Miss USA, and have focused on being Rima Fakih. I spent my time at home where I worked out with my old trainer, Quincy Alexander, and picked up my little brother from school. I also had the opportunity to spend time with my family and old friends. Although ... more

    0 comments

  • Cheering on the Military

    posted by Rima Fakih at 7:59am on 11/05/2010

    Hello friends! I had an AMAZING time visiting West Point and cheering on the Army football team. I even got to participate in the “Pass Her Up” tradition, where I crowd surfed over cadets all the way to the top of the bleachers. I couldn’t stop screaming! Thank you West Point Ac ... more

    0 comments

  • Happy Halloween!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 2:42pm on 11/01/2010

    Hello everyone! This past week was steady and calm, which gave me the opportunity to catch up on my reading and workout every day. I began my mornings with a long 5k run in Central Park. After many weeks of traveling, it was nice to wake up every day at home in NYC. During the week I had the ... more

    1 comments

  • Let’s Go Yankees!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 2:45pm on 10/22/2010

    I arrived back from Qatar and was filled with joy when I learned that I had Saturday and Sunday off. Unfortunately my Saturday didn't last long because as soon as I arrived home from the airport I fell asleep... can you say jet lag? I woke up Sunday feeling ill but felt much better after running 5 m ... more

    0 comments

  • My First Visit to Qatar

    posted by Rima Fakih at 1:17pm on 10/18/2010

    As I continued my Middle Eastern tour as Miss USA, my next stop was Doha, Qatar. I took part in the “Made in the USA” exhibition, where American companies showcased their products or services in the lucrative Gulf Region. I always love to see fellow Americans while traveling overseas, an ... more

    1 comments

  • My Exciting Tour to Egypt

    posted by Rima Fakih at 8:25am on 10/12/2010

    I have to admit that often times my life as Miss USA feels like a dream. One day I'll be in NYC, and 12 hours later I am landing in Cairo, Egypt! The people were so welcoming and kind. I couldn't believe the view from my hotel room balcony overlooking the Nile. It was breathtaking. I began my first ... more

    0 comments

  • Rima visits the White House

    posted by Rima Fakih at 1:29pm on 10/04/2010

    As I approached the White House earlier this week, I looked down at my sash and smiled with pride at this opportunity to represent my country. I had the honor of receiving a private tour of the White House and meeting some of the representatives who care for our great nation. I took part in a meetin ... more

    0 comments

  • Happy Birthday Rima!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 9:39am on 09/28/2010

    Week by week I feel more like Miss USA and a representative of this great country. On Saturday I was a special guest in Connecticut at Our Lady of Lebanon Church where I received the Key to the City of Waterbury. I had the opportunity to travel later that day to Boston to watch the Red Sox vs. Blue ... more

    1 comments

  • Back in the City That Never Sleeps!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 9:32am on 09/28/2010

    I was filled with joy to come home to NYC this week. I have been away for 6 weeks so it will take a while for me to unpack and re-adjust to my busy schedule here. However I couldn't wait to get back to work and continue on with all my adventures traveling as Miss USA.   I haven't had the cha ... more

    0 comments

  • Home Sweet Home

    posted by Rima Fakih at 7:29am on 09/14/2010

    Hey everyone!   The last two weeks I have been very busy taking part in a feature film being shot in Detroit. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to be on set with some great actors. This experience has reinforced my dream of one day becoming an actress. Stay tuned for the big announcement o ... more

    4 comments

  • My Pageant Experience

    posted by Rima Fakih at 8:25am on 08/30/2010

    The past few weeks have been a once in a lifetime experience with the contestants of the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant. I can't describe how amazing it feels to now have 82 sisters from all over the world. I think I may have convinced a few of them to move to New York, including my roommate at the page ... more

    6 comments

  • Journey to the Crown

    posted by Rima Fakih at 12:38pm on 08/14/2010

    This is a very important and exciting time in my life for so many reasons. I have the honor of representing the USA in the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant. I am living my dream of competing in the Pageant with 82 of the most beautiful women in the world. I have been working out hard, watching past Miss U ... more

    40 comments

  • Michigan Homecoming!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 10:14am on 07/16/2010

    Good morning, I have been trying for weeks to keep quiet about my costume. I found myself telling my close friends and my mother, but I still want it to be a surprise. Therefore, all of you who love me and support Miss USA have to watch the Miss Universe pageant and keep up with our news so you can ... more

    20 comments

  • World Expo 2010 in Shanghai

    posted by Rima Fakih at 10:02am on 07/04/2010

    This week, I had the pleasure of visiting Shanghai, China for the World Expo 2010.  As Miss USA, I feel honored to be able to travel internationally and represent my country. On my first day in China, I had the opportunity to take a wonderful tour of Shanghai, where I was able to see firsthand ... more

    2 comments

  • Non-Stop Travel

    posted by Rima Fakih at 7:38pm on 06/25/2010

    On Sunday, I returned from my visit to Rwanda with Same Sky bracelets.  While I was in Rwanda, I met with women and children who had been affected by the 1994 Genocide and visited the TRAC Plus clinic to learn about treatment for HIV positive children.  I was touched at the positive outloo ... more

    21 comments

  • Amazing New Experiences

    posted by Rima Fakih at 5:09pm on 06/11/2010

    "How does it feel? Are you stressed? You're Miss USA now!" are common questions that I have been asked multiple times recently.  I don't believe I am stressed at all, in fact I feel like I've gone from living a day-to-day life to living THE life. Growing up, I've watched major ev ... more

    2 comments

  • I'm Miss USA!?!

    posted by Rima Fakih at 9:16am on 06/07/2010

    On May 16, 2010, at 8:56 PM EST, a door to hope and dreams opened for me when my name was announced as the winner of Miss USA 2010.  I had worked so hard to achieve my dream of not only representing my country, the United States of America, but also to be a contestant at the Miss Universe 2010 ... more

    13 comments

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Quick Bio

Profile

Rima Fakih

USA 2010

State:
Michigan
Hometown:
Michigan
Age:
26

Bio

Rima Fakih's road to becoming Miss USA began when she sold her car to support her childhood
dream to enter the Miss Michigan USA pageant. Fakih won the state title and, on May 16, 2010
at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 25-year-old made history
as the first ever Arab American and Muslim to win the crown.

Fakih was born in Sour, Lebanon and immigrated to Queens, New York in 1993. She graduated
from St. John's Preparatory School in 2003 at the age of 17. After graduation, Fakih moved to
Dearborn, Michigan and began a mentoring program to provide children with caring adult role
models.

Fakih continued to give back to her community while attending the University of Michigan, where
she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, with a minor in Business Administration.
Active in campus life, Fakih served her fellow students as class senator and president of Students
in Free Enterprise (SIFE). She also spent time volunteering for various community organizations.

As ambassador of the Pink Fund, a financial assistance organization, Fakih is dedicated to
helping remove the short-term financial burden from breast cancer patients. As Miss Michigan
USA 2010, Fakih served as one of the first official pageant ambassadors for women's self-
defense awareness, educating women on the importance of taking the necessary precautionary
measures to best protect and prepare themselves from unwanted situations.

As Miss USA, Fakih is a spokeswoman for breast and ovarian cancer education, research and
legislation - a platform that is close to her heart. She will travel nationwide as an advocate for
organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda's Club, among others.

Since being crowned in May, Rima has had many notable appearances, recently speaking at
Ronald Reagan's Centennial Celebration, riding in a float at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day
Parade and attending an American Chamber of Commerce conference in Cairo alongside
former President Bill Clinton. Rima also continues to make many appearances with the World
Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE), including a special segment titled "Tribute to the Troops"
and a role in the reality show "Tough Enough."

When Fakih manages to find free time in her busy schedule, she enjoys traveling, running,
dancing and spending time with her younger brother. She especially enjoys playing sports and
watching the NFL, particularly the NY Giants. After her reign, Fakih plans to attend law school
and contribute to the Service Nation campaign, an initiative that aims to inspire a new era of
voluntary citizen service in America.

About Miss USA
The MISS UNIVERSE® Organization, a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture, is a global community empowering role models of beauty, health and leadership for young women of today. As part of the Miss Universe Organization, Miss USA is dedicated to partnering with charities around the world, and to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. For more information, visit: www.missusa.com.