NEW ORLEANS — R’Bonney Gabriel, a clothier, mannequin and stitching teacher from Texas who competitors officers stated is the primary Filipino American to win Miss USA, was topped Miss Universe on Saturday night time.
Gabriel closed her eyes and clasped fingers with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, in the intervening time of the dramatic reveal of the winner, then beamed after her identify was introduced.
Thumping music rang out, and he or she was handed a bouquet of flowers, draped within the winner’s sash and topped with a tiara onstage on the 71st Miss Universe Competitors, held in New Orleans.
The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez.
Within the Q&A on the final stage of the competitors for the three finalists, Gabriel was requested how she would work to show Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive group” if she have been to win.
“I might use it to be a transformational chief,” she responded, citing her work utilizing recycled supplies in her trend design and educating stitching to survivors of human trafficking and home violence.
“It’s so essential to put money into others, put money into our group and use your distinctive expertise to make a distinction,” Gabriel continued. “All of us have one thing particular, and once we plant these seeds to different individuals in our life, we remodel them and we use that as a car for change.”
In keeping with Miss Universe, Gabriel is a former highschool volleyball participant and graduate of the College of North Texas. A brief bio posted on the group’s web site stated she can be CEO of her personal sustainable clothes line.
Practically 90 contestants from around the globe took half within the competitors, organizers stated, involving “private statements, in depth interviews and varied classes together with night robe & swimwear.”
Miss Curacao, Gabriela Dos Santos, and Miss Puerto Rico, Ashley Carino, rounded out the highest 5 finalists.
Final 12 months’s winner was Harnaaz Sandhu of India.