50 Most Beautiful People for 2011

Age: 24
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Political party: Republican
Relationship status: Single

Adam Bennot may call Washington, D.C., home for now, but his heart and passion lie in Africa. The son of American missionaries, Bennot was born and raised in South Africa and hopes to return there someday soon.

“I definitely want to go back; I want to work in sub-Saharan Africa in development,” he said.

After attending college at Middle Tennessee State University outside Nashville, Bennot spent 2010 traveling and backpacking through the Pacific Northwest before deciding to stay in the United States to pursue opportunities in government and policy.

“I visited D.C. a few times and I really, really loved it,” he said, cracking a warm smile. “I decided if I’m going to stay in the U.S. for the next couple years, it’s going to have to be D.C.”

While his current position as staff assistant for the House Education and Workforce Committee focuses more on domestic issues, that hasn’t lessened Bennot’s interest in international policy.

“I would really love to work for a socially conscious business that invests in emerging economies,” he said. “That, or work for an NGO that does economic development.”

Until then, Bennot enjoys living in D.C.’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood, backpacking outside the city and playing electric guitar.

As for maintaining his fit physique, he regularly hits the gym and makes health a priority.

“I typically work out during my lunch here,” he said, adding that he uses the Rayburn House gym. “I work out probably four times a week and play tennis once a week.

“Stay active and stay healthy and eat right,” he advised when asked about beauty tips. “I guess that’s kind of inward beauty,” he said, showing that big smile again.

—Debbie Siegelbaum

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