Last month Rima Fakih, winner of the 2010 Miss USA pageant, visited Shanghai on a goodwill tour. Originally winner of the Miss Michigan title, Lebanon-born Fakih’s religious and ethnic identity ignited widespread discussion upon her crowning. TALK caught up with the beauty queen during her tour of Shanghai United Hospital’s Oncology Department and spoke with her about her historic win, the upcoming Miss Universe event, breast cancer awareness and the Expo.

Hi Rima. I read you celebrated your Miss USA victory with a pizza. On 22 August you'll be competing for the Miss Universe title in Las Vegas. How would you celebrate a second win?

Love that question! However, if I am lucky enough to win at the Miss Universe pageant, I truly believe I wouldn't be able to eat a pizza. Most likely, I will faint due to the joy and rush that will enter my body, and wake-up next to hospital food.

What kind of things do you have to do to prepare for a pageant?

Preparing for a pageant, of course, consists of exercising, dieting, practicing mock interviews, keeping up with current events and shopping. However, I have to prepare myself mentally and emotionally as well, so that I don't let negative thoughts or events that might take place during Miss Universe rehearsals hurt me.

Your Miss USA win was rather internationally divisive. Were you surprised at some of the reactions your victory generated?

Yes, I was honoured to win the crown of Miss USA, and even more excited to learn it was a historic title with the Miss Universe Organisation – I am the first Arab-American to hold the title of Miss USA. I was also deeply touched by the positive reactions of so many people, both in the United States and throughout the world.

Can you tell us more about your breast cancer awareness platform?

Breast and ovarian cancer awareness is the official platform of Miss USA. I am honoured to continue the mission to make sure women everywhere are knowledgeable about these diseases and armed with the tools to prevent and fight them, because this illness has touched my family. It is much more than just a platform for me.

I heard you gave a speech at the Expo to celebrate American Independence Day. How did it go?

It was the experience of a lifetime, I can't stop talking about it! I spoke to an audience of so many respected individuals, including former US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright and Yue-Sai Kan. Introducing the USA Pavilion at the World Expo is something I will always treasure as one of the best experiences of my life.

You have spent a few days in Shanghai. What are your impressions of our fair city?

I had heard Shanghai is the future and I have now seen that for myself. I watched six buildings seem to continually grow in front of my hotel room window. I am amazed at the industry the city has created in record time. It is truly remarkable! I look forward to returning to Shanghai and China again. Xie xie!

Photo credit: Fadil Berisha