Biography
"You don't know who you are until you know where you came from" is a quote Rima carried out through most of her life. Today, at 39 years old, Rima Fakih Slaiby resides in California with her husband Wassim 'Sal' Slaiby and two children. Holding her current mission to break barriers for Arab women, Rima holds today the title of National Director and Executive Producer of Miss Lebanon/Miss Universe.
In less than two years Rima competed in and won four consecutive pageants prior to winning the title of Miss USA in 2010. Her win was a monumental breakthrough for all Arab women in the western world and beyond as Rima became the first and only ever immigrant Arab woman to win Miss USA. 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 traveled nationwide as an advocate for organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda's Club, among others. Rima received the Key to the City of Waterbury and a Proclamation from the State of Connecticut declaring September 18th "Rima Fakih Day." Mayor John B. O'Reilly Jr. awarded Dearborn, Michigan native Rima Fakih the Key to the City and proclaimed Saturday, July 10 as "Rima Fakih Day" along a "Welcome to Dearborn, Home of Rima Fakih" sign to the city.
Holding many notable appearances, Rima F Slaiby, has appeared at Ronald Reagan's Centennial Celebration, riding on a float at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Regis & Kelly Show, Good Morning America, The Wendy William Show, Jimmy Fallon, David Letterman, and attending an American Chamber of Commerce conference in Cairo alongside former President Bill Clinton. Rima continued 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", "Dancing with the Stars", and Fox's"The Choice."
On September 30, 2018, through her role as President and Executive Producer of the Miss Lebanon 2018 pageant, Rima not only sparked country wide interest but she also delivered a record-breaking show. By combining her pageant and business knowledge, Rima and her team of professionals lead the vision for the new and improved pageant for future participants and winners of Miss Lebanon. Rima's outing and humorous personality continues to lead her to new adventures in life.
