R’Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas, made history as the first Filipino American to win Miss USA and was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday night.
Gabriel, who closed her eyes and clasped hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the dramatic reveal of the winner, beamed with joy after her name was announced.
The thumping music rang out, and she was handed a bouquet of flowers, draped in the winner’s sash and crowned with a tiara on stage at the 71st Miss Universe Competition, held in New Orleans. The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez.
The new Miss Universe is USA!!! #MISSUNIVERSE pic.twitter.com/7vryvLV92Y
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 15, 2023
During the Q&A at the last stage of the competition for the three finalists, Gabriel was asked how she would work to demonstrate Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization” if she were to win.
“I would use it to be a transformational leader,” she responded, citing her work using recycled materials in her fashion design and teaching sewing to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. “It is so important to invest in others, invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference,” Gabriel continued. “We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change.”
Gabriel, a former high school volleyball player and graduate of the University of North Texas, is Miss Universe. She is also the CEO of her own sustainable clothing line, as stated in a bio on the organization’s website.
The competition, which had nearly 90 contestants from various countries, included elements such as personal statements, interviews, and categories such as evening gown and swimwear.
The top five finalists included Miss Curacao, Gabriela Dos Santos, and Miss Puerto Rico, Ashley Carino. The previous year’s winner was Harnaaz Sandhu of India.