In addition to being beautiful, she shows great interest in the environment and vulnerable communities.
R’Bonney Gabriel conquered the ninth title of Miss Universe for the United States in the 71st edition of the pageant that was held in New Orleans with the participation of 84 international contestants.
At almost 29 years of age, this American led the country to be the one with the most universal crowns, above Venezuela. Amanda Dudamel from Venezuela was the first runner-up, while the second was Andreína Martínez Founier, from the Dominican Republic.
Gabriel, 1.70 meters tall, succeeds Miss Universe India, Harnaaz Sandhu. On the other hand, she has held the crown for the United States since Olivia Culpo did it in 2012. The other Miss Universe titles for the United States representatives were in 1954, 1956, 1960, 1967, 1980, 1995 and 1997.
R’Bonney Gabriel, comes from a family of immigrants
R’Bonney Gabriel was born in San Antonio, Texas, on March 20, 1994. Her parents are Dana Walker (from the United States) and Remigio Bonzon (from the Philippines). Her father arrived in the North American country at the age of 19 with just $20, with the intention of studying psychology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, thanks to a scholarship she obtained.
Her first competition as her model was Miss Kemah USA 2020, where she finished in the top 5 finalists. Then, in Miss Texas USA 2021, she was the first runner-up. She but she returned in 2022 and became the first Miss USA of Filipino descent to be crowned, a title that led her to carry the band to Miss Universe 2022.
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel reacts to being crowned Miss Universe on Saturday, January 14, 2023.
Beauty, intelligence and focus
Apart from being a model, Gabriel is a designer and businesswoman. She graduated from the University of the North, in Texas, in 2018, with a degree in Fashion and Clothing Design, specializing in fibers. She runs her own fashion label, R’Bonney Nola, and is a partner in the non-profit fashion house Magpies & Peacocks.
Gabriel teaches sewing classes and seeks to use fashion as “a force for good” through sustainability and impact on communities. In fact, in the most important contest of her career, on January 14, she said:
“For 13 years I have used fashion as a force for change. In my industry I work with recycled materials to make my clothes. I have also taught sewing classes with women who have survived domestic violence and human trafficking. It is very important to invest in others, to invest in our community and to use your unique talent to make a difference.”
Today, Gabriel’s mission is for women and girls to see themselves reflected in her and feel inspired to achieve her goals while being true to her essence.