“And your new Miss Malibu 2012 is…Brie Gabrielle!”
Those are the words that would forever change the life of the determined, 5-foot-8-inch, blonde beauty. Brie Gabrielle, a 21-year-old senior at Pepperdine University, won the coveted title of Miss Malibu in September. Chosen over 35 other young woman vying for the top prize, Gabrielle was crowned in front of an audience of more than 600 people.
The pageant included competition in three major categories, including evening wear, swimsuit and interview. Once the preliminary scores were tallied, the contestants were narrowed to a top five and re-judged on a final on-stage interview question. Gabrielle ultimately shined the brightest and earned the title of Miss Malibu 2012.
She is definitely no stranger to the world of pageantry. She participated in her first contest eight years ago. “I kind of just fell into it when I saw advertising for the first Miss Teen Malibu pageant in 2004,” she says, “and thought it would be a good way to meet people after moving here from Colorado.”
In 2007, Gabrielle won the Miss Malibu Teen contest and went on to place in the top 10 at Miss California Teen USA. She then took a break from the pageant circuit, until 2011, when she geared up for the Miss Malibu competition. Gabrielle worked hard to prepare for the competition, enlisting the help of a personal trainer and maintaining a healthy diet. She also worked extensively with an interview coach. Her efforts paid off.
In addition to a crystallized crown and banner, her award package included a nutritionist, trainer, new gown and paid entry to Miss California USA valued at $2,000. Gabrielle says the true prize was the opportunity to represent Malibu this past January in the Miss California USA competition.
The Miss California USA competition is one of the most competitive pageants in the country. Owned by the Miss Universe Organization, in partnership with Donald Trump, the pageant was held Jan. 8 in Palm Springs. Gabrielle was up against 278 other accomplished young women representing the entire state of California.
“Representing Malibu is such an honor,” she says “Representing a city I know and love so well gave me that much more confidence.”
Gabrielle’s confidence paid off. The judges chose her as first runner up.
Gabrielle won over the hearts of the judges and audience alike with her answer to her final questions, most notably, “What is the characteristic that you think you have that would make you a good Miss California?” Gabrielle eloquently answered: “Determination. Growing up, we lived in the Malibu RV Park in a 10-by-30-foot motor home. We didn’t have any money and we drove by Pepperdine every day. And even though I knew it would cost a lot of money, I knew I would be going there one day. This determination is what will make me a good Miss California.”
This is the aspect of Gabrielle’s life that has really shaped her as a person. She and her family lived in an RV for six years. Seeing Pepperdine every day, she knew it was where she belonged. Even though the odds were financially stacked against her and times were often tough, Gabrielle’s determination won out. Her goal of attending Pepperdine was met, and she credits her own hard work and willpower for making her dream come true.
Gabrielle also acknowledges that pageantry has given her confidence and eloquent speaking skills. Success in pageantry is truly a dream come true, but as evidenced by her answer to her on-stage question, it isn’t her only dream that became reality. Attending Pepperdine is a dream come true as well.
Gabrielle says her favorite part of Pepperdine is the people. “Everyone here is so supportive and loving, like nothing or no one I have ever experienced.”
Gabrielle has other big goals in mind. “In five years,” she stated, “I see myself with a law degree in entertainment law, doing my own contracts for the movies I will be acting in.”
Gabrielle’s has always dreamed of being an actress on the big screen. Her family moved from their hometown of Aspen, Colo., when she was 14 to allow her to pursue her acting career. She landed her first leading role in the independent film “Finding Virtue” in 2009 and has also had multiple guest starring roles in numerous popular television shows, including “Hannah Montana,” “Drake and Josh,” and “Criminal Minds.”
In addition to her acting projects, Gabrielle fills her days with numerous extra-curricular activities. She is an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, as well as the pre-law fraternity at Pepperdine. She also dedicates much of her time to her passion for dancing, and is currently the captain of the Pepperdine Dance Team. She participated recently in Pepperdine’s annual dance show, “Dance In Flight.”
She also enjoys surfing, being outdoors and playing the guitar.
For the remainder of her reign as Miss Malibu, Gabrielle will continue to be the face of Malibu around the community through her attendance at various charitable events and at public appearances. She feels a deep passion for Malibu, and loves every day she is able to represent the city she loves so much.
“My favorite part of Malibu is the ocean,” declares Gabrielle. “I love just looking out into the ocean when I get stressed out, and watching the sunsets at night. It’s very rejuvenating, and is a constant reminder of how lucky I am to be alive and living in such a beautiful place.”
As for now, Gabrielle is focused on her studies. She will graduate from Pepperdine this month. She says many people are curious if she will compete for the Miss California crown again next year. “I came so close this year to winning,” she says. “I feel like I have to go back and try it once more.”
Gabrielle certainly has the support of her friends and family.
“She is so driven,” said classmate Lauren Zappas. “I know she will be successful in whatever she sets her mind too.”
Bailey Blaies, who dances with Gabrielle, added: “She is so beautiful inside and out. Her passion for life is so inspiring and a great influence on those around her.”
Although already accomplished by almost any standard, Gabrielle is well on her way to even greater things. When asked about her success, she credits her friends and family for their support. There is no question in their minds that she has an incredible future ahead.
“Brie is so beautiful, genuine, and just has so many admirable qualities,” says sorority sister, Lily Chapin. “I absolutely love talking to her and spending time with her. Brie is truly an inspiration. I am so very blessed to have her as a mentor and sister.”
