R'Bonney Gabriel is an eco-friendly fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor based in Houston, TX, and New York City who also happens to be the current Miss Universe titleholder. Born in Houston, TX she became the 1st Miss Universe of Filipino descent. As the first Filipino American to win Miss Universe and Miss USA, much of her platform is about embracing her culture. She is a voice for Asian-Americans, opening the door for more diversity and representation in society. 

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She attended the University of North Texas, where she earned her degree in Fashion Design and Fibers. 

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R'Bonney is the lead sewing instructor at Magpies & Peacocks, a Houston-based nonprofit design house that is dedicated to using "Fashion as a force for good" through sustainability and community impact. She combines her latent for design with caring for the environment in her own sustainable clothing line, R’Bonney Nola.

(1:46) R’Bonney tells us how she learned to sew by watching her mom and shopping at thrift stores. R’Bonney tells of one of her favorite projects – the big purple gown with puffy sleeves…a Halloween costume.

(3:35) She tells us how important the sewist community is to her and why.

(5:10) She’s always upbeat and positive…she lets us in on her youth, parent’s influence and how sports, music, church, and ballet influenced her outlook.

(7:39) Travel is a big part of her current life as Miss Universe. She tells us what it’s like to be Miss Universe!

(10:57) R’Bonney takes us back to the beginning and on her journey to becoming Miss Universe.

(16:00) She talks about how she became passionate about sustainable fashion.

And the documentary ”A True Cost” which opened her eyes to clothing consumption worldwide.

(17:50) Magpie and Peacocks name – a truly unique identifier – has an interesting story which R’Bonney shares with us.

(18:45) She explains ethical sewing practices and sustainable fashion as she exemplified with her Miss Universe Cape. She also explains how we as individuals can support sustainable fashion.

(23:09) The MAKR Program with Magpies and Peacocks is very important to R’Bonney. She tells us about this effort and why it means so much to her.

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(25:04) She tells us a story of one of the women who went through the MAKR Program and how it changed her life.

(27:10) She talks about being the first Filipina-American to hold the Miss Universe title and how she leverages this position for the advancement of Asian Americans.

(28:40) If Not Now When if her motto – she tells us why and what it means to her.

(30:40) What’s next for her after Miss Universe?! Listen and find out!

(31:11) Is there a question we didn’t ask?!

To reach out to R’Bonney, you can find her at Instagram @rbonneynola, or the email connected to the Instagram account. 

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

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