The newly crowned Miss District of Columbia Teen USA® 2013 is 18-year old, Despina Ades, a Freshman at the George Washington University where she is pursuing a double major in Political Science and International Affairs. She is also a member of the University's Women's Leadership Program, serves as a Peer Mediation Coordinator for Expanding where she donates her summers to educate and inspire young women from Niger and was recently awarded, "Tutor of the Year" from the Literacy Center, the world's largest peer-to-peer tutoring center.

A proud member of both the National and Spanish Honor Societies, Despina is a self-proclaimed American History geek whose favorite president is Abraham Lincoln. Despina is proud to represent the District as she hopes to make history as being the first Miss District of Columbia Teen USA to become Miss Teen USA.

Despina hails from a very proud and very loud, big Greek family! Despina dedicates her year of service as Miss District of Columbia Teen USA in memory of her late father who passed away from Cancer when Despina was just 12 years old. Before his passing, Despina traveled with her father and family by RV to 48 states and says that the experience has taught her to "be the change she wishes to see in the world."

As Miss District of Columbia Teen USA 2013, Despina plans on dedicating her time to literacy programs as well as peer education for teens. She hopes to serve as an inspiration to others to go after their dreams, no matter the obstacles, just as she has and one day, hopes to become a Diplomat for the United States government.

Despina states, "It is truly an honor and a privilege to represent the Nation's capitol throughout the District and throughout the United States. I look forward to a year filled with service and giving back all that I can to the place that has given so much to me. "

Despina will represent the District of Columbia in the Miss Teen USA® pageant to be held this summer at the Atlantis Resort, Bahamas.