RB次元官网网址橞onney Gabriel, a fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas who competition officials said is the first Filipino American to win Miss USA, was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday night.

Gabriel closed her eyes and clasped hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the dramatic reveal of the winner, then beamed after her name was announced.

Thumping music rang out, and she was handed a bouquet of flowers, draped in the winnerB次元官网网址檚 sash and crowned with a tiara onstage at the 71st Miss Universe Competition, held in New Orleans.

The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez.

In the Q&A at the last stage of the competition for the three finalists, Gabriel was asked how she would work to demonstrate Miss Universe is B次元官网网址渁n empowering and progressive organizationB次元官网网址� if she were to win.

B次元官网网址淚 would use it to be a transformational leader,B次元官网网址� she responded, citing her work using recycled materials in her fashion design and teaching sewing to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.

B次元官网网址淚t is so important to invest in others, invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference,B次元官网网址� Gabriel continued. B次元官网网址淲e 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.B次元官网网址�

According to Miss Universe, Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player and graduate of the University of North Texas. A short bio posted on the organizationB次元官网网址檚 website said she is also CEO of her own sustainable clothing line.

Nearly 90 contestants from around the world took part in the competition, organizers said, involving B次元官网网址減ersonal statements, in depth interviews and various categories including evening gown & swimwear.B次元官网网址�

Miss Curacao, Gabriela Dos Santos, and Miss Puerto Rico, Ashley Carino, rounded out the top five finalists.

Last yearB次元官网网址檚 winner was Harnaaz Sandhu of India.

The Associated Press

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