She began modelling at age 22, before becoming a television presenter for the Portuguese youth television show Sic Altamente, on channel SIC. She made her acting debut in the Portuguese telenovela Saber Amar, which aired on the Portuguese television station TVI. She continued her telenovela appearances for the station.
In 2005, Rita reached nationwide fame for her portrayal of Soraia Rochinha in the second season of TVI's Morangos com Açúcar. She later guest starred in the series Uma Aventura as Lucy in the episode Noite das Bruxas (Halloween) on SIC. Other roles include Maria Estrela in the 2006 telenovela Doce Fugitiva, Diana in Casos de Vida in 2008, and Alice Santos in Feitiço de Amor in 2008/2009. Rita participated in several philanthropic efforts, including an event in Funchal to help the victims of the 2010 Madeira floods and mudslides.