Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel wins Miss Universe pageant

NEW ORLEANS – R’Bonney Gabriel, a Texas fashion designer, model and sewing teacher who contest officials said is the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA, was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday night.

Gabriel closed his eyes at the moment of the winner’s dramatic unveiling and shook hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, then beamed after her name was announced.

Booming music played and she was presented with a bouquet, draped in the winner’s sash and crowned with a tiara on stage at the 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans.

The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez.

In the Q&A in the final phase of the competition for the three finalists, Gabriel was asked how she would work to demonstrate that Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization” if she won.

“I would use it to be a transformational leader,” she replied, citing her work using recycled materials in her fashion design and teaching survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence to sew.

“It’s 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 on other people in our lives, we transform them and use that as a vehicle for change.”

According to Miss Universe, Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player and a graduate of the University of North Texas. A brief bio posted to the organization’s website states that she is also the CEO of her own sustainable clothing line.

Almost 90 participants from around the world took part in the competition, organizers said, which included “personal statements, in-depth interviews and various categories including evening dresses and swimwear.”

Miss Curacao Gabriela Dos Santos and Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino rounded out the top five finalists.

Last year’s winner was Harnaaz Sandhu from India.