R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Texas USA 2022, was named Miss USA 2022 on Monday night at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada. At the pageant, which was televised by the A&E Network’s FYI channel, Gabriel received her crown from Miss USA 2021, Elle Smith.
Gabriel is a fashion designer who specializes in eco-friendly clothing. She has her own brand, R’Bonney Nola, in Houston. Gabriel also works as a sewing instructor at Magpies & Peacocks, a nonprofit design house that takes discarded materials and transforms them into new fashions.
Gabriel graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in fashion design. She is the first woman of Filipino-American descent to be named Miss Texas USA, according to the Houston Chronicle.
“I’m here to represent Texans, Filipina-Americans, and those who push past self doubt to reach their greatest potential,” Gabriel said in an Instagram post on Sunday, after a private interview with the judges for Miss USA. “I feel at peace knowing I have put in the work to develop into the truest form of myself. I’ve learned the importance of embracing who I am.”
Over the weekend, Gabriel competed in a preliminary competition for Miss USA and a state costume contest. Gabriel won the costume contest with an outfit inspired by the bluebonnet, the state flower of Texas.
As Miss USA, Gabriel will move on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant on Jan. 14, 2023, in New Orleans.
Gabriel bested 50 other contestants for the Miss USA title, including Miss Alabama USA, Katelyn Vinson. Vinson won the state title in January, competing as Miss Dothan USA. All 51 contestants for Miss USA are the winners of state pageants held earlier this year.
Vinson was not among 16 semi-finalists announced on Monday, so she didn’t compete in the televised swimsuit, evening gown or question-and-answer competitions for Miss USA. (The pageant doesn’t have a talent competition.)
Morgan Romano, Miss North Carolina USA, was named the runner-up for Miss USA. Natalie Pieper, Miss Nebraska USA, took third place. Sir’Quora Carroll, Miss Ohio USA, came in fourth. Angel Reyes, Miss Illinois USA, rounded out the top five finalists.
Gabriel begins a yearlong reign as Miss USA, with Los Angeles as her base. “For the duration of her reign, she will be engaged in red carpet experiences, networking opportunities, professional photo shoots, speaking engagements and more,” the Miss USA website says. “She will also have the opportunity to promote her personal platform alongside the charitable alliances of the Miss USA Organization.”
If she becomes Miss Universe, Gabriel will cede the Miss USA title to Romano, the first runner-up.
Gabriel begins a yearlong reign as Miss USA, with Los Angeles as her base. “For the duration of her reign, she will be engaged in red carpet experiences, networking opportunities, professional photo shoots, speaking engagements and more,” the Miss USA website says. “She will also have the opportunity to promote her personal platform alongside the charitable alliances of the Miss USA Organization.”
If she becomes Miss Universe, Gabriel will cede the Miss USA title to Romano, the first runner-up.
Source : Advance Local