Maria Gabriela Silva Lacerda, popularly known as Gabriela Lacerda, has made headlines after being crowned Miss Universe Brazil 2025 on February 13, 2025, during a ceremony held at the Coliseu Convenções e Eventos in Barueri, São Paulo. The 22-year-old model and journalism student triumphed over 23 contestants to earn the title, marking Piauí's second victory in the national pageant’s history, following the win by Monalysa Alcântara in 2017.
Celebrated for her charisma and commitment, Gabriela, affectionately referred to as Gaby, will represent Brazil at the upcoming Miss Universe competition scheduled for November 2025 in Thailand. This will not be her first foray; Gabriela competed previously, finishing as the runner-up to Teresa Santos from Ceará during the Miss Universe Brazil 2021 pageant, where she won the title of Miss Simpatia.
Throughout her career, Gabriela has demonstrated exceptional prowess and dedication. Her achievements began at a young age when she was crowned Miss Teen Piauí and later Miss Teen Brasil in 2017. Her experience extends beyond merely competing; she also served as a reporter at the Miss Universe Brasil 2024 event, where she interviewed contestants and noted personalities, showcasing her versatility and charm.
Gabriela's victory is not solely about beauty; it’s embedded within her strong commitment to social causes. She is the ambassador for "Mães da Sé," a non-profit organization focused on helping families find missing persons. During her time on stage, she passionately highlighted the need for greater visibility and support for this poignant issue, stating, "I want to tell this story not just for Brazil, but for the whole world." Her advocacy aims to resonate beyond borders, utilizing the Miss Universe platform to bring attention to the plight of families affected by disappearances.
After her victory, Gabriela shared her joy on social media, exclaiming, "Essa coroa é nossa meu Piauí! Vamos juntos rumo ao Universo!" This reflects her pride not only for her achievement but also for representing her home state on such a prestigious platform.
The upcoming Miss Universe pageant carries great weight for Brazil, which seeks its third title after last winning the crown in 1968 with Martha Vasconcellos. Since then, Brazilian contestants have frequently placed among the top finalists, and expectations are high for Gabriela. With the dedicated preparation needed for the international stage, including enhanced public speaking skills and cultural knowledge, her previous experiences will greatly aid her.
Engaged with social issues throughout her pageantry, Gabriela emphasizes her role as Miss Universe Brazil as more than just representing beauty; rather, it's about inspiring change and drawing attention to underrepresented stories, like those of families missing loved ones. She noted, "I will be the miss of attitude," indicating her intent to bring serious issues to the forefront.
The recent changes to the pageant's rules have ushered in greater diversity, allowing women of various backgrounds to compete. The press coverage highlighted Gabriela's speech and oratory skills, which captivated the judges and audience alike, showcasing her readiness for the challenges of the Miss Universe stage.
With excitement building, Gabreila's talent and commitment to advocacy position her as not just another contestant, but as someone who embodies the spirit of resilience and hope for those she aims to represent. Leading up to the event, she will be engaged with training and representation duties, preparing diligently to shine on the international stage and bring honor to Brazil.
Her upcoming participation symbolizes the evolution of beauty contests, redefining their impact beyond traditional frames and embracing more pressing social narratives. Looking toward November's event, the anticipation of what Gabriela Lacerda will achieve is palpable, with supporters across Brazil rallying behind her as she aims for not just personal victory, but significant societal change.