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R'Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe© GettyImages

Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel wins the 71st annual Miss Universe pageant

After competing against eighty-three candidates, the new queen secured the coveted crown and title


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
JANUARY 14, 2023 11:08 PM EST

After a nail-biting pageant, Miss United States, R’Bonney Gabriel, wins the 71st annual Miss Universe contest. After competing against eighty-three candidates, the new queen secured the crown on Saturday, January 14, from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe© GettyImages
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel takes part of the 71st Miss Universe competition at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 14, 2023.

Who is R’Bonney Gabriel?

R’Bonney is the lead sewing instructor at Magpies & Peacocks, a Houston-based non-profit design house dedicated to using “Fashion As A Force For Good” through sustainability and community impact. As “Gucci Changemakers” recipients, they were honored for their work of diverting unwanted textiles and fabrics from landfills and turning them into fashion collections. Within the “MAKR” program, she teaches sewing classes to women that have survived human trafficking and domestic violence.

US ENTERTAINMENT MISS UNIVERSE© GettyImages
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel wins the 71st annual Miss Universe pageant

As the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA, she shares the importance of embracing your culture. As a voice for Asian Americans, she opened the door for more diversity and representation. R’Bonney’s mission is for women and young girls to see themselves in her and feel inspired to conquer their goals by owning who they are.