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(CNN) — R’Bonney Gabriel from the United States was crowned the 71st Miss Universe this Saturday evening. Gabriel, who became the first Filipino-American to be crowned Miss United States last year, took the crown ahead of Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela and Andreína Martínez of the Dominican Republic.
The pageant took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, with 84 women from around the world vying for the crown.
As Gabriel climbed into the Top 5, she was asked, “Miss Universe recently made an inclusive change allowing mothers and married women to compete this year. What other change would you like to see and why?”
Gabriel replied that he hoped the competition organizers would raise the age limit for female contestants.
“For me, I’d like to see an age increase because I’m 28. And that’s the oldest age to compete. And I think that’s a beautiful thing. My favorite quote is ‘If not now, when?’ Because as a woman, I don’t think age defines us. It’s not tomorrow, it’s not yesterday, it’s now. The time is now,” she said.
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel after winning the Miss Universe pageant on January 14, 2023. Credit: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images
Who is R’Bonney Gabriel?
Born in Houston, Gabriel is a model, fashion designer and sewing instructor who prioritizes the environment in her work.
At the beginning of the competition, Gabriel got an orange cloak inspired by a rising phoenix with the maxim “if not now, then when” inked on her herself. The words are inspired by his father’s advice to achieve goals, dreams and desires.
In the final question-and-answer segment of the competition, the top three contestants were asked how they would work to show that Miss Universe is an empowering and progressive organization if they win the title.
Gabriel said she would use the platform to be a “transformational leader” and emphasized her passion as a force for good in the fashion industry by reducing pollution and using recycled materials in garments.
Credit: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images
“I teach sewing classes to women who have survived human trafficking and domestic violence. And I say that because it’s so important to invest in others, invest in our community, and make a difference with your unique talent,” Gabriel said.
“We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds for other people in our lives, we transform them and use them as vehicles for change.”
This year’s pageant was first organized by JKN Global Group PCL, a Thailand-based media distribution company, after transgender rights advocate and mogul Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip bought the Miss Universe Organization in October for $20 million.
Jakkaphong has spoken openly about her experience as a transgender woman and is also the pageant’s first female owner.
He appeared on stage to present the award ImpactWayv challenge to Anna Sueangam-iam from Thailand in honor of her social commitment.
Miss Thailand had caused a stir during the preliminary round of the campaign wearing a dress made from pieces of soda foil, a tribute to her humble beginnings and her parents’ work as garbage collectors.
Credit: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images