USA's R’Bonney Gabriel crowned Miss Universe 2022

R'Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from the United States was crowned Miss Universe 2022 at a ceremony held in New Orleans today.  

Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu of India, who won the 2021 title, presented her with the crown. Along with the crown, she was handed a bouquet of flowers and was draped in the winner's sash.

During the last round of the competition for the three finalists, Gabriel was asked how she would work to show Miss Universe is an "empowering and progressive organization" if she won.

"I'd use it to be a transformational leader," she said, highlighting her work with recycled materials in fashion design and teaching sewing to survivors of human trafficking and domestic abuse.

"It is critical to invest in others, in our community, and to use your particular gift to make a difference," Gabriel added. "We all have something special to offer, and when we plant those seeds in the lives of others, we transform them and use them as a vehicle for change."

Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player and a graduate of the University of North Texas. According to a brief profile on the organization's website, she is also the CEO of her own sustainable clothing company.