Dr. Gabrielle Henry has made history by winning Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 on her second attempt. The 28-year-old ophthalmology specialist claimed the crown along with four additional sectional prizes during the highly competitive pageant.
Henry’s victory proves that persistence pays off after finishing in the top five during her first attempt in 2023. Her win creates a powerful moment for medical professionals entering the pageant world. The accomplished doctor will now represent Jamaica at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Thailand this November.
Medical Professional Sweeps Multiple Pageant Categories
Beyond securing the main title, Henry dominated the competition by winning four sectional awards. She claimed Best Swimwear, Media Challenge Award, Best Personality, and the Altruism Award. These victories showcase her well-rounded abilities across different pageant categories.
The comprehensive win demonstrates Henry’s growth since her previous pageant experience. Her success across multiple categories indicates strong preparation and natural talent. Competition organizers noted this year’s contest was among the most competitive in recent memory.
Second Attempt Strategy Pays Off for Determined Competitor
Henry’s decision to re-enter the competition required careful consideration and reflection. She explained her motivation to the Jamaican Observer: “Re-entering was something that I reflected on for some time now. This pageant is something of a platform that allows women to become the finest version of themselves.”
The ophthalmologist wanted to inspire women her age through her example. “I wanted to re-enter to embody that, and to show women, especially those my age, that you can do anything that you want to,” Henry stated. Her message resonates with professionals balancing multiple career paths.
Henry described her second pageant experience as completely different from her first attempt. “This time was exhilarating,” she told The Gleaner. The familiarity with the process allowed her to enjoy the experience more fully while building meaningful relationships with fellow contestants.
Balancing Medical Career with Pageant Preparation Creates Unique Challenge
Managing a demanding medical career alongside pageant preparation required careful planning and determination. Henry studies ophthalmology at the University Hospital of the West Indies while maintaining her pageant commitments. Her approach to this challenge reflects a practical mindset about goal achievement.
When asked about balancing her career and pageantry, Henry shared her philosophy with CMV. “I think at the end of the day, we could put plans in place, but the true test of your ability to do something is just doing it,” she explained. Her advice emphasizes action over overthinking.
Henry encourages others to face challenges directly despite fear. “You have to really face whatever the challenge may be upfront. You know, face it afraid, do it afraid. And just do it unapologetically as well,” she advised. This mindset helped her succeed in both medicine and pageantry.
Advocacy Work Through See Me Foundation Highlights Social Impact
Henry’s commitment extends beyond medicine and pageantry through her advocacy work. She serves as an outspoken advocate for the visually challenged community. Her efforts focus on creating opportunities for people with vision impairments.
The See Me Foundation, Henry’s organization, aims to provide educational and economic opportunities for blind individuals. Her work addresses gaps in support for people with visual difficulties. This advocacy aligns with her medical expertise in ophthalmology.
Her foundation work demonstrates how Henry uses her platform for meaningful social impact. The combination of medical knowledge and advocacy creates a powerful approach to helping others. This commitment likely contributed to her winning the Altruism Award during the pageant.
Thailand Competition Represents Next Challenge for Jamaica’s Representative
Henry will represent Jamaica at Miss Universe 2025 on November 21 in Nontharubi, Thailand. Pageant co-director Karl Williams expressed confidence in her ability to compete at the international level. The team plans to provide comprehensive preparation for the global competition.
Williams praised this year’s competitive field while highlighting Henry’s potential. “Gabrielle is a strong contender, and now our focus is on getting her 150 percent ready for Miss Universe,” he told The Gleaner. The preparation will involve intensive training across all pageant categories.
The pageant director believes Jamaica is overdue for a Miss Universe crown. “We’re going to just throw everything behind her. Jamaica is overdue for that Miss Universe crown,” Williams remarked. Henry’s medical background and advocacy work provide unique talking points for the international stage.
Recognition and Rewards Mark Beginning of Reign
Henry received a brand-new Hyundai Kona from title sponsor Magna Motors Jamaica as part of her victory package. This reward recognizes her achievement and supports her upcoming responsibilities as Miss Universe Jamaica. Additional benefits will help her prepare for international competition.
The new Miss Universe Jamaica brings multiple talents to her role beyond medical expertise. Henry is a trained pianist and singer, adding artistic dimensions to her profile. These skills enhance her ability to represent Jamaica’s cultural richness on the international stage.
Her victory speech emphasized national pride and cultural representation. “In Thailand, you’ll see my face everywhere. I’ll be forming networks, I’ll be representing, I’ll be speaking about the resilience of our people and how proud I am of our country,” Henry promised. She plans to highlight Jamaica’s natural beauty and innovation during her reign.
