Karns graduate is one of 10 top college women

Rosita Najmi

Rosita Najmi recognized for leadership, charitable work in foreign countries

By JEANNINE F. HUNTER, hunter@knews.com
September 30, 2003

Wake Forest University senior Rosita Najmi is enthusiastic and determined when she speaks about her role in helping children and families domestically and internationally.

The 2000 Karns High School graduate is among 10 college women profiled in the October issue of Glamour magazine.

Her inclusion in Glamour's "Top Ten College Women" for 2003 is based on her travels and work overseas. She helped to establish a nonprofit organization to provide medical supplies to Benin, West Africa after a 2001 trip to Benin with a schoolmate.

"My university nominated me, and when the magazine contacted me, I honestly didn't think I had a chance," said Najmi, 21, an economics major who also helped build a schoolhouse in Vietnam and worked as a translator for a women's-rights group.

Her dream job would be in the World Bank or the United Nations, but she's equally interested in working with nonprofits and enjoys fund raising.

"I realize there is a lot of illegal issues in development throughout the world," she said. "I'd like to work in development using economic and legal tools. I want to get people connected to resources to help themselves."

After graduation, Najmi plans to spend a year of service with the Baha'i community, her faith community, before attending law school.

This is the magazine's 46th year of spotlighting 10 college women from across the country with an annual competition that recognizes their leadership, community involvement, goals and excellence within their respective fields.

Each winner receives a cash prize and a trip to New York City as well as opportunities to meet with leaders in a variety of fields, including government and education.

Jeannine F. Hunter may be reached at 865-342-6324.

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