Who is R'Bonney Gabriel, the new Miss Universe?

Look at the Miss Ukraine outfit that alludes to the war 1:19

(CNN) --

United States' R'Bonney Gabriel was crowned the 71st Miss Universe on Saturday night.

Gabriel, who last year became the first Filipino-American to win Miss United States, took the crown ahead of Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela and Andreína Martínez of the Dominican Republic.

The pageant was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, with 84 women from around the world vying for the crown.

• Miss United States is the winner of Miss Universe 2023

When Gabriel entered the Top 5, she was asked, "Miss Universe recently made an inclusive change that allows mothers and married women to compete this year. What other change would you like to see and why?"

Gabriel responded that he hoped the contest organizers would increase the age limit for female candidates.

"For me, I'd like to see an increase in age because I'm 28. And that's the oldest age to compete. And I think that's a beautiful thing. My favorite quote is 'if not now, when?'

Because as a woman, I think age doesn't define us. It's not tomorrow, it's not yesterday, but it's now. The time is now," she said.

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Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel after winning the Miss Universe pageant on January 14, 2023. Credit: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

Who is R'Bonney Gabriel?

Gabriel, born in Houston, is a model, fashion designer, and sewing instructor who prioritizes the environment in her work.

Earlier in the pageant, Gabriel donned a red-orange cape inspired by a rising phoenix with the motto "if not now, then when," which she had dyed herself.

The words are inspired by her father's advice to act on goals, dreams and desires.

In the final question and answer segment of the competition, the top 3 contestants were asked how they would work to show that Miss Universe is an empowering and progressive organization if they win the title.

Gabriel said she would use the platform to be a "transformational leader" and emphasized her passion as a force for good in the fashion industry by reducing pollution and using recycled materials in garments.

Credit: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

"I teach sewing classes to women who have survived human trafficking and domestic violence. And I say that because it's so important to invest in others, invest in our community, and use your unique talent to make a difference," Gabriel said.

"We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds for other people in our lives, we transform them and use them as a vehicle for change."

This year's pageant was first organized by JKN Global Group PCL, a Thailand-based media distribution company, after transgender rights advocate and mogul Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip purchased the Miss Universe Organization for US$20 million in October.

Jakkaphong has been open about her experiences as a transgender woman and is also the first female owner of the pageant.

He made an appearance on stage to award the ImpactWayv Challenge Award to Anna Sueangam-iam from Thailand, honoring her commitments for social good.

Miss Thailand had caused a sensation in the preliminary rounds of the pageant in a dress made from pieces of soda foil, a tribute to her humble beginnings and her parents' work as garbage collectors.

Credit: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

Miss United States