Rita Sinha, ME ‘06, has been crowned Miss District of Columbia International 2007. Sinha, 23, hopes to use her title to do some good. Throughout her year’s reign as Miss DC International 2007, she will promote HIV/AIDS prevention in the nation’s capital by advocating the message of abstinence education in school systems, community organizations, and the offices of policy makers.

The District of Columbia has the highest rate of new AIDS cases – a rate that is ten times the national average. While the Global AIDS epidemic abroad is a main concern for many of our nation’s leaders, Sinha says, “We have an epidemic right here in our backyard. Let’s not be negligent of that.”

In June 2006, Rita Sinha graduated from Spirit of Faith Bible Institute, a post-secondary Christian University. Currently a patent examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, she plans to continue her education in law school and pursue a career as a patent attorney.

During her time at GW, Sinha was a member of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity; president of Word Up! Bible Study; the Student Association’s director of diversity affairs; chapter, regional, and national board member of National Society of Black Engineers, and an International Student Ambassador.