Who is Miss Universe 2022, RBonney Gabriel?

MISS Universe judges made history on Saturday, January 14, 2023, when they named this year's competition winner.

R'Bonney Gabriel - one of 84 women competing at the pageant's 71st anniversary - was crowned Miss Universe.

Who is R'Bonney Gabriel?

R'Bonney Gabriel was born in Houston, Texas, on March 20, 1994.

In October 2022, Gabriel told ABC News' local affiliate in Houston: "My dad moved to America from the Philippines on a college scholarship with about $20 in his pocket.

"He wanted to pave a new life for himself. He met my mom in Texas, who is a country woman from Beaumont. I'm a very proud Filipina Texan."

According to her bio, she loves to hula hoop, backpack, and read during her free time.

Where did R'Bonney Gabriel go to school?

Gabriel earned a degree in fashion design with a minor in fibers in 2018 from the University of North Texas.

She first started sewing at age 15 and fell in love with the process of constructing things out of fabrics and textiles.

After college, she went on to intern for fashion designer, Nicole Miller, in New York City.

According to Gabriel's bio, she is an "eco-friendly fashion designer, sewing instructor for domestic violence survivors, artist helping women learn tools for success, advocate for sustainability in the fashion industry."

Most read in Celebrity

Her outfit for the Miss Texas USA opening number was created out of a coat she found at a thrift store which she turned into a dress.

She often designs and crafts her own wardrobe for interviews and rehearsals.

What titles have R'Bonney Gabriel won?

Gabriel made history back in December 2022 as the first Filipina-American to win Miss Texas USA.

She had been modeling for six years before joining the Miss Universe Organization.

Close to a year later, Gabriel was crowned Miss USA in October 2022, succeeding Miss Kentucky Elle Smith, who was named Miss USA in 2022.

Following her win, Gabriel told Houston Life: "Oh my God, it's an honor. I'm getting messages on Instagram and just social media of Filipina girls and women telling me they're so excited, they're so happy.

"They're crying tears of joy because they are inspired to go after pageantry or something," she added. "Like I'm paving the way for them to just go after whatever they want no matter what it is. So it's an honor."

She went on to represent Miss USA where she was crowned Miss Universe 2022.

When was the last Miss USA crowned Miss Universe?

Gabriel was the first Miss USA to win the Miss Universe competition since Olivia Culpo won back in 2011.

ZBlogW