Rikkie Valerie Kollé was crowned Miss Nederland 2023 (Miss Universe Netherlands 2023) on Saturday, 8th July 2023 at the AFAS Theater in Leusden. Rikkie will now prepare to represent the Netherlands at the 72nd Miss Universe, i.e. Miss Universe 2023, in El Salvador.

Rikkie Valerie Kollé created history at the national pageant as she became the first-ever transgender woman to win the national title. She is 22 years of age and a Dutch-Moluccan model and actress living in Breda. Rikkie succeeds Miss Universe Netherlands 2022 Ona Moody for the crown.

She previously appeared on Holland’s Next Top Model. On winning the title, Rikkie took to her official social media as she wrote, “I Did It. Yes I'm trans and I want to share my story but I'm also Rikkie and that's what matters to me. And wherever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example that I missed as a little me."

Through her title, Rikkie wants to be a voice and a role model for all young women and QUEER persons. She knows better than anyone what it's like to feel alone and not be surrounded by only positive thoughts. When Kollé was little Rik and came out as transgender, it wasn't easy for everyone and she suffered because of it. This cause hits home for the newly crowned queen.

Also at the finale, Nathalie Mogbelzada from Amsterdam was adjudged as the first runner-up while Habiba Mostafa and Lou Dirchs were awarded Miss Congeniality and Miss Social Media awards respectively. Reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel of the USA was also present at the finale.

Rikkie will be the second transgender representative at the Miss Universe after Spain's Angela Ponce who participated in 2018. Congratulations to the newly crowned queen!