R'Bonney Gabriel of the United States won the 71st Miss Universe pageant. image credit: Google

She is the first Filipino American to win the title. image credit: Google

Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela was the first runner-up, Andreina Martinez of the Dominican Republic was the second runner-up, and India's Divita Rai placed outside of the top three. image credit: Google

Gabriel closed her eyes and joined hands with Amanda Dudamel at the decisive moment of the competition when the winner was announced. image credit: Google

Gabriel replied that she would employ her title to be a transformational leader, bringing to mind her art of fashion design with recycled materials and teaching sewing to those that have experienced human trafficking and domestic violence. image credit: Google

Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player who graduated from the University of North Texas and is now the CEO of her own sustainable clothing line. image credit: Google

Gabriel said, “We all have something special, and when we share our gifts with those around us, we can be a catalyst for positive change.” image credit: Google

India's Divita Rai expressed her gratitude on social media for the support she received throughout her journey. image credit: Google

Divita Rai thanked the Miss Diva team, Vineet Jain and Naughty Natty G, for giving her the opportunity to be part of the competition. image credit: Google

Divita Rai ended her post with a promise to continue to enjoy life to the fullest and to feel confident every day. image credit: Google