Robony Gabriel The United States was crowned the 71st Miss Universe on Saturday night.
Gabriel, who was the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA last year, edged out Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela and Andreina Martinez of the Dominican Republic to take the crown.
The competition was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, and 84 women from all over the world competed for the crown.
Saturday night was the final day of competition and the number of finalists was whittled down to just the last two.
Gabriel replied that he hoped the contest organizers would raise the age limit for candidates.
“I’m 28, so I’m hoping to get older. And that’s the oldest age to compete. And I think that’s a beautiful thing. My favorite saying is, ‘I have to be now.’ As a woman, I believe age doesn’t define us. It’s not tomorrow, it’s not yesterday – but it’s now. The time is now.
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel won the Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans on January 14, 2023. credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Originally from Houston, Gabriel works as a model, fashion designer, and sewing instructor with a focus on the environment.
In the Q&A session at the end of the competition, the top three nominees were asked how they would go about showing Miss Universe an empowering and progressive organization if they won the title.
Gabriel said she would use the platform to become a “transformation leader”, highlighting her passion as a force for good in the fashion industry by reducing pollution and using recycled materials in garment manufacturing.
“We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds for others in our lives, we transform them and use it as a vehicle for change.
Jakkaphong speaks candidly about her experiences as a transgender woman. She is also the pageant’s first female owner.
