Miss USA, a Filipino-American, is crowned Miss Universe 2022 

Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel is the latest addition to the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) family.

The final competition was held on Jan. 15 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Gabriel is the 71st winner to hold the title.

 She came on top ahead of Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela and Andreína Martínez of Dominican Republic.

 Moreover, Gabriel is the first Filipino-American to win the Miss USA crown last year. Controversies erupted after winning her national title.

 She is a native of Houston, Texas. Her father is Filipino while her mother is an American. She is a model, fashion designer, and sewing instructor. She incorporates environmental-friendly materials in her work.

 In her Q&A portion, 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. As a very passionate designer – I’ve been sewing for 13 years – I use fashion as a force for good. In my industry, I’m cutting down on pollution through recycled materials when I make my clothing. I teach sewing classes to women that have survived from human trafficking and domestic violence,” she said.

Gabriel added,  “And I say that because it is important to invest in others, invest in our community, and use your unique talent to make a difference. We all have something special, and when we plant, those seeds to other people in our lives, we transform them and use that as a vehicle for change.”

 84 women from around the world vied for the crown last Saturday.