R'Bonney Nola Gabriel is an American beauty pageant titleholder, who has crowned the title of Miss Universe 2022 on January 15 at a ceremony in New Orleans. Gabriel is the ninth entrant from the United States to win the title. She is also the oldest contestant to be crowned. She was crowned by the outgoing titleholder Harnaaz Sandhu. Previously, she also won the title of Miss USA 2022 pageant, which was held in Reno, Nevada.
Early life and education R'Bonney Nola Gabriel was born on March 20, 1994 in Houston, Texas to a Filipino father Remigio Bonzon "R. Bon" Gabriel, and an American mother, Dana Walker. Her father was born in the Philippines and is originally from Manila, having immigrated to Washington state at the age of 25. Gabriel has three older brothers. She graduated from the University of North Texas, with a bachelor's degree in fashion design.
Work R'Bonney Gabriel is a fashion designer, sewing instructor, and model. As a fashion designer, she creates eco-friendly clothing. She is also the CEO of her own sustainable clothing line, R’Bonney Nola.
Modelling career Gabriel's first foray into pageantry was when she joined Miss Kemah USA 2020, where she was among the Top 5 finalists. She also competed at Miss Texas USA 2021 as Miss Harris County and was placed as the first-runner up to Victoria Hinojosa of McAllen. Gabriel then went ahead and won Miss Texas USA 2022. She went on to represent Texas at Miss USA 2022, wherein she was subsequently crowned as Miss USA 2022, thereby becoming the first Miss USA of Filipino descent.
At the Miss Universe 2022 pageant, R'Bonney Gabriel represented the United States as Miss USA 2022. Her victory as Miss Universe also made her the first representative from the United States to win Miss Universe since Olivia Culpo at Miss Universe 2012.