R'Bonney Gabriel of the United States won the 71st Miss Universe pageant.
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She is the first Filipino American to win the title.
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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.
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Gabriel closed her eyes and joined hands with Amanda Dudamel at the decisive moment of the competition when the winner was announced.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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India's Divita Rai expressed her gratitude on social media for the support she received throughout her journey.
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Divita Rai thanked the Miss Diva team, Vineet Jain and Naughty Natty G, for giving her the opportunity to be part of the competition.
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Divita Rai ended her post with a promise to continue to enjoy life to the fullest and to feel confident every day.
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