50 Most Beautiful People for 2011

Age: 25
Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.
Political party: Republican
Relationship status: Single

Grace Johnson, a scheduler for Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), loves Washington for its diverse intellectual climate.

“I meet people from all over the world,” said Johnson, who is a fan of embassy parties. “It’s a bunch of nerds all congregated in one city.”

The Middle Tennessee State University graduate first came to the nation’s capital as an intern for the International Association of Women Judges and to live with her younger sister. She has since found herself on Capitol Hill and buys into the serious, workaholic atmosphere, comparing it to a college campus.

Her love for all things international led her to live in Europe. She also volunteered for three months at a Mozambique orphanage that had no running water or electricity.

“I just figured there was never going to be another opportunity like that again,” Johnson said.

Asked how she maintains her looks, the congressional aide says a winning personality is the key.

“I think being nice is being pretty,” Johnson said. “Having a bad attitude makes you unattractive.”

Johnson would know, having won the superlative “most sincere” in high school. 

The congressional aide, who says she’s “a shade” under 6-foot-1, appreciates her height.

“It’s a huge benefit in the Metro, because you’re out of armpit level. You can get oxygen up there,” she said.

Beyond traveling, Johnson has interesting hobbies, whether it’s hiking or swing-dancing.

“It’s fast-paced, it’s fun and it’s cute to watch,” Johnson said.

She also likes to listen to audiobooks while she cleans, with a famous contrarian thinker as one of her favorite authors.

“I love Malcolm Gladwell. I would marry him if he was available,” Johnson said.

—Kevin Bogardus

---