She took home the 9th crown for her country!
Filipino-American R'Bonney Gabriel from the United States is the newly-crowned Miss Universe 2022 and the 9th crown holder of her country after a decade.
Gabriel is a fashion designer, sewing teacher, model, and the first-ever Fil-Am beauty to represent the USA in the international pageant.
With the question "If you win Miss Universe, how would you work to demonstrate this as an empowering and progressive organization?” the new Miss Universe's winning response was to become a transformational leader, connecting her answer to her fashion design profession.
"I use fashion as a force for good. I’ve been cutting down on pollution through recycled materials when I make my clothing. I choose sewing classes to women that have survived from human trafficking and domestic violence," Gabriel said.
She continued emphasizing the importance of investing in the community and using unique talents to make a difference.
"We all have something special and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change," she ended.
Meanwhile, Amanda Dudamel from Venezuela was hailed as the first runner-up, the one who will take over the responsibilities if Gabriel would be unable to fulfill her duties, while Dominican Republic's Andreína Martínez made it to the final placement as second runner-up.
The Miss Universe 2022 coronation night was held in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 15.