Who is Rima Fakih? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Rima Fakih Slaiby

Age: 39 Years, 39 Year Old Females

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Tony Sal (m. 2016)

father: Hussein Fakih

mother: Nadia Fakih

Models American Women

Height: 5'8" (173 cm), 5'8" Females

Notable Alumni: Henry Ford Community College, University Of Michigan–Dearborn

More Facts

education: Henry Ford Community College, University of Michigan–Dearborn

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1

What is Rima Fakih known for?

Rima Fakih is known for being the first Arab-American to be crowned Miss USA in 2010.
2

Where is Rima Fakih from?

Rima Fakih was born in Srifa, a small city in Southern Lebanon.
3

What religion does Rima Fakih practice?

Rima Fakih is a Lebanese-American who was raised in the Shia Muslim faith.
4

What career has Rima Fakih pursued after her pageant success?

After her pageant success, Rima Fakih has pursued a career in modeling, acting, and philanthropy.
5

Has Rima Fakih been involved in any controversies?

Rima Fakih faced controversy in 2011 when some reports claimed she had ties to a strip club, which she denied.

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Childhood & Early Life

She was born on September 22, 1985, in Srifa, a small city in the Jabal Amel region of Southern Lebanon, to Hussein Fakih, and his wife, and Nadia Fakih, in a Shi'a Muslim family. She is one of the five children of her parents.

Earlier, she lived in the village of Souk El Gharb in Mount Lebanon, and received her education from St. Rita's, a Catholic school near Beirut. In 1993, her family moved to New York in order to escape from the Lebanese Civil War.

In the United States, her father used to run a restaurant in Manhattan and she was enrolled in St. John's Preparatory School, a Catholic high school in Queens. But the family was prone to threats and vandalism based on events in the Middle East, and business at her father's restaurant declined following the 9/11 attacks in USA.

In 2003, she graduated from school and her family moved to the large Arab-American community in Dearborn, Michigan, where she began a mentoring program to provide children with caring adult role models.

Later she graduated from Henry Ford Community College and continued to give back to her community while attending the University of Michigan. She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, with a minor in Business Administration.

Active in campus life, she served as the class senator and president of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). She also volunteered for various community activities.

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Career

At the age of 19, she competed in her first pageant and was placed fourth runner-up at Miss Wayne County, a preliminary pageant for Miss Michigan in the Miss America system.

In 2008, she was selected to represent Michigan in the Miss Lebanon Emigrant competition. She was placed third in the contest, finishing behind Carina El Kaddissi of Brazil and Jessica Kahawaty of Australia.

Later, she sold her car to enter the Miss Michigan USA pageant. On September 19, 2009, she won the Miss Michigan USA pageant and went on to represent Michigan at the Miss USA 2010 pageant.

On May 16, 2010, she won the title of Miss USA, breaking a 5 year streak of Southern states winning, and becoming the first Miss Michigan USA to win the national title since 1993.

Many Arab-Americans celebrated her victory but some Muslims accused her of profanity, and held her responsible for debasing the image of Muslim women around the world by appearing in a bikini.

Being the Miss USA she represented the United States in the 2010 Miss Universe pageant but was unable to earn a place as a semi-finalist.

In December 2010, she served as the ring announcer for the matches at the WWE Tribute to the Troops. Later, she competed on the fifth season of WWE Tough Enough but was eliminated from the show on the fourth episode.

After being crowned she made many notable appearances, 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.

She also appeared in the 2011 movie ‘Real Steel’, starring Hugh Jackman.

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In 2012, she participated in Fox's dating game show ‘The Choice’.

Awards & Achievements

In 2011, she was ranked at #100 in the ‘100 Most Powerful Arab Women’ list by ‘Arabian Business’. She was also placed at #86 on the 2011 edition of AskMen.com's Top 99 Women list.

She has been honored by organizations like ‘The Ethnic Foundation of Understanding’, ‘Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee’, and ‘Renee Mowad Foundation’, and was also presented the key to the city of Connecticut.

Personal Life & Legacy

In 2011, she was arrested for drunk driving in Highland Park, Michigan. Later she was convicted and sentenced to 6 months of probation, $600 fine and 20 hours of community service.

Facts About Rima Fakih

Rima Fakih became the first Arab-American to win the Miss USA title in 2010, breaking barriers and inspiring many individuals from similar backgrounds.

In addition to her beauty pageant success, Rima Fakih has also pursued a career in wrestling, showcasing her strength and athleticism.

Rima Fakih has demonstrated her commitment to philanthropy by supporting various charitable causes and organizations, using her platform to make a positive impact.

Despite facing criticism and challenges throughout her career, Rima Fakih has remained resilient and focused on her goals, showing determination and perseverance.

Rima Fakih has a passion for cooking and has competed on cooking shows, showcasing her culinary skills and creativity in the kitchen.

Rima Fakih Biography

You wanted to know

What is Rima Fakih known for?

Where is Rima Fakih from?

What religion does Rima Fakih practice?

What career has Rima Fakih pursued after her pageant success?

Has Rima Fakih been involved in any controversies?