It’s been two months since R’Bonney Gabriel became the first Filipina American to win the Miss Universe pageant, which is a huge source of pride for the community in the city.

What makes her success even more remarkable is that she entered the pageant world just two and a half years ago. She was raised in Texas, but she’s in New York for this year of her reign.

She joined “News All Day” for this week’s Women Wednesday. Our Digital Reporter, Anna Sterling who covers the city’s Filipino community and AAPI issues at large, also joined the conversation.

Gabriel is passionate about fashion sustainability and “pushing ethical practices in the industry.” She hopes to also shine a light on the issues of child labor and women’s rights within the fashion industry.

While she felt the pressure of beauty standards, Gabriel says she’s learned to “own her uniqueness” and hopes that her platform helps showcase that “you can be beautiful no matter what your culture is.”

She also hopes that little girls and women can identify with her and feel a sense of pride and power.