An ophthalmologist with a mission to change lives is now wearing Jamaica’s most coveted crown. Dr. Gabrielle Henry was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 on Saturday night at the AC Hotel Kingston, receiving the glittering symbol of victory from outgoing queen Rachel Silvera. Known for her work as a passionate advocate for the visually impaired, Henry is the founder of the See Me Foundation, which provides educational and economic opportunities for people who are blind or have reduced vision. Her win blends beauty, intellect, and a powerful humanitarian cause — a combination that will represent the island on the global stage this November at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.
The competition was fierce, with Troy-Ann Anderson, the radiant Miss Universe Jamaica East 2025, securing the first runner-up spot. Anderson, a performer with a deep love for dance, boasts a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting) from Northern Caribbean University. Second runner-up honours went to Matea Smith, whose determination is as striking as her elegance. A University of Florida graduate in behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, Smith is pursuing a career in surgery despite overcoming hip dysplasia, a condition that ended her early ambitions in track and field but never dimmed her resolve.
The night also celebrated talent, personality, and purpose through a range of sectional awards. Henry’s versatility shone brightly, as she collected Best Personality, the Media Challenge Award, and tied with Shiann Excell — the Essence of Style winner — for Best Swimwear. She also shared the Altruism Award with Keandra Wellington and Tasharrie McLean. Other standout winners included Esther Moore (Social Media Award), Samantha McFarlane (Go-Getter Award), Rajivea Soman (Most Photogenic), Akedia Morgan (Spirit of the Pageant Award), and Barbie Mudahy (Miss Congenial Award), each recognized for their unique contributions to the pageant.
Outside of the competition spotlight, Henry is a trained vocalist and pianist, adding artistic flair to her already impressive résumé. Her multi-dimensional talents and advocacy work make her a compelling representative for Jamaica on the international stage. As she prepares for Thailand, expectations are high that her combination of grace, intellect, and social impact will capture the attention of the Miss Universe judges and global audience alike.
With her victory, Dr. Gabrielle Henry joins a legacy of Jamaican queens who have used the Miss Universe platform to amplify their voices and inspire change. As she herself has shown through her career and charitable efforts, beauty can indeed be a vision for change — and Henry’s reign has only just begun.
