As Mrs. Texas Earth 2021, Pam Agullo is passionate about animal rights and animal conservation. She currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors of El Paso Zoological Society. In her interview with Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, Mrs. Texas Earth 2021 shares with us her love story with the nature.
Pam Agullo’s love of nature began with a little frog
Since childhood, Pam loved spending hours to explore her garden in Mexico City. “I collected countless samples to inspect under the microscope, wanting to understand and admire the seen and unseen beauty of my little backyard universe”.
Reminiscing, she tells us:
“After a rainy afternoon, I started my garden exploration. I saw […] a tiny, green frog sitting on a branch in the warm, humid air as if waiting for me to discover it. Without hesitation, I gently plucked the little frog off and scanned quickly for a safe container to keep my treasure. I reassured the frog that I wouldn’t hurt it and take good care of all its needs in its brand new home.
The next morning, I was shocked to find the little frog hiding under a leaf. Its bright green colours were now dull and almost transparent. Some of the organs showed painfully. Sadness, guilt, and horror washed over me.”
My encounter with that tiny green frog profoundly marked me for life. At the tender age of seven, I began to understand my power in the world. Though my intentions were good, I held the life and death of that frog in my small, seven-year-old hands. Though most of us have good intentions, some of our every-day actions and decisions contribute to the exploitation and mistreatment of our planet.”
At that moment, the little seven-year-old Pam already started to understand her role and grow the desire to protect animals and their habitats.
Spreading her love for nature
According to Mrs. Texas Earth 2021, “[the title] has given [me] the opportunity to represent my big, beautiful and bold state of Texas to channel my passion for wildlife and the environment. Being a recognized advocate on a global scale provides me with an opportunity to actively voice concerns in local communities and worldwide to promote and implement changes that conserve and protect our magnificent Planet Earth.”
During her tenure as the President of El Paso Zoological Society, the beauty queen has worked tirelessly to grow the Society’s involvement in conservation and appreciation for wildlife. What’s more, her works for the community raised over $550.000.
Describing her ideal day, Pam Agullo admits: “As President of the BoD of The El Paso Zoological Society, I spend my most fulfilling days at the zoo, teaching zoo camp for kids ages 6-10, implementing the climate change awareness curriculum that I developed.”
Additionally, Pam is also an Ambassador for Trees for the Future. In the last three years, her contributions are responsible for over 35,000 trees planted.
Life is a miracle
Family means the world to Mrs. Texas Earth. During her third pregnancy, the doctor broke the news that her son had a heart defect, incompatible with life. Pam described, at that moment, she was indescribably devastated. Her son is now 6, and she is deeply thankful for this walking miracle.
Pam’s husband always accompanies her and brings along his positivity. Pam shares: “My husband and I own a thriving private medical practice through which we have been blessed and therefore have the opportunity to give back to our community in many different ways”.
To the Vietnamese readers, Pam Agullo wants to deliver a powerful message: “The power is in our hands! You may or may not have a striking ‘origin story’ for your love of nature and the environment. But our daily mission should be to empower and encourage people everywhere to lead lives that respect and cultivate life.”
** Credits **
Model: Pam Agullo @pamgoneglam
Photographer: Daria Koso @daria.koso.photo
Stylist & H.M.U.A: Caleb Campos @calebbeautyofficial
Studio: Colorfusion Studio @colorfusionstudio
Vintage Car @miamivintagepropcars
PR: Mari Borovenskaya @mariborovenskaya