R'Bonney Gabriel is crowned Miss Universe 2022. MISS UNIVERSE

Who is Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel?

Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe 2022 during the final round of the 71st Miss Universe beauty pageant in New Orleans on Saturday (Sunday, January 15 in UAE). Gabriel is the first American of Filipino descent to win Miss Universe. She is the ninth entrant from the US to win the title, after Miss USA Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012. Born on March 20, 1994, Gabriel is also one of the oldest to be crowned Miss Universe at the age of 28. According to Miss Universe, Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player and graduate of the University of North Texas. A short bio posted on the organization's website said she is also CEO of her own sustainable clothing line. Gabriel is a fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas. She was born in Houston, Texas to a Filipina father, Remigio Bonzon Gabriel, and an American mother, Dana Walker. Her father, who is originally from Manila, immigrated to the US when he was 25. Gabriel had always spoken proudly about her mixed heritage. “I feel at peace knowing I have put in the work to develop into the truest form of myself. I’ve learnt the importance of embracing who I am,” Gabriel said in an Instagram post where she is wearing an outfit, which she designed, inspired by the traditional Filipiniana dress. Gabriel has a bachelor’s degree in fashion design from the University of North Texas. “I love that I can represent Filipinas, my culture and pave the way. I hope other women, Asians, can be inspired to join pageantry or any other field they may not see themselves in at first. They can break that glass ceiling, absolutely,” she said in a previous interview. Her first foray into pageantry was when she joined Miss Kemah USA 2020, where she placed among the Top 5 finalists. She competed in Miss Texas USA 2021 as Miss Harris County and placed as first runner-up to Victoria Hinojosa of McAllen. She won Miss Texas USA 2022 and went on to represent Texas at Miss USA 2022. She was subsequently crowned as Miss USA 2022, becoming the first Miss USA of Filipino descent. Gabriel closed her eyes and clasped hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the dramatic reveal of the winner, then beamed after her name was announced. The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez.
 
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In the Q&, 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 said, 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.” Nearly 90 contestants from around the world took part in the Miss Universe pageant. Miss Curacao, Gabriela Dos Santos, and Miss Puerto Rico, Ashley Carino, rounded out the top five finalists. Last year’s Miss Universe winner was Harnaaz Sandhu of India. ICA/Expat Media
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