The 21-year-old Texas native wins the national title in Orlando and promotes environmental advocacy through her “Cars & Canines” community initiative.

Making the state of Texas proud, 21-year-old Gia Espinoza of El Paso rang in the New Year by winning the coveted title of Miss Earth USA 2026. The pageant took place in Orlando, Florida, from Dec. 30 – Jan. 3 where young women from around the United States competed in various categories showcasing their environmental advocacy, runway and fitness skills, evening gown wear, and communications abilities. 

A multi-day competition, the candidates participated in preliminary events, interviews, and stage presentations highlighting their commitment to pageantry and environmental awareness. In the teen category, Mia Navarro, also from El Paso, captured the national title of Miss Teen Earth USA 2026, completing a Texas sweep. 

Known for their advocacy and motto “Beauties for a Cause,” Miss Earth USA prides itself on its dedication to environmental responsibility and promotion of community involvement. Each delegate is encouraged to act as an ambassador for sustainability while enacting meaningful change within their communities. Initially getting involved with pageantry to help conquer her social anxiety and fear of public speaking, Espinoza reflects on her recent pageant experience, “So I’ve been competing with Earth for four years now, and I’ve competed for Team Texas two years in a row. Initially, I was not planning on coming back. The plan was to take a break as I applied for the El Paso Police Academy–which was the goal and focus for a while. Eventually, I had been asked if I was interested in competing again, and I decided it wouldn’t hurt to try once more.” Alongside Navarro, both ladies prepped and trained for the pageant by going to the gym and solidifying their charitable platforms. “She’s like my little sister,” Espinoza said of Navarro. “So we decided we were just going to go out there, have fun, and do the best we could. We really didn’t put any emphasis that we were going to win. We just wanted to enjoy the experience and hopefully make it into the top five,” Espinoza added. 

For the competition, candidates were also judged on their “Think Global, Act Local” initiatives where they each focused on a local project that they could promote and share on a global scale. “Some girls worked on recycling projects in their cities,” Espinoza shared, “But the idea is that those efforts can grow and make an impact on a global level.” For Espinoza’s initiative, she focused on her project “Cars & Canines” driven by her passion for animals, car culture, and community. Explaining further, Espinoza provides insight, “It’s a community initiative that I’ve been working on for four years now. My co-founder Mia Molina unfortunately passed away in September, but we created it together four years ago and decided to combine car meets with our passion for getting animals adopted.” Through the events, local rescue organizations are invited to bring adoptable animals while attendees enjoy the car showcases. “We also provide microchips and low-cost vaccines,” Espinoza added. Essentially, Espinoza’s vision helps make pet care and adoption more accessible while bringing the community together around shared interests. 

While staying busy with pageantry, work, and side hobbies, Espinoza also takes time to work out which helps keep her in amazing shape. “I think there’s different ways that people enjoy working out,” she explained. “I used to hate going to the gym. I preferred playing tennis and doing more cardio-based activities. But now I’m obsessed with lifting weights and working out. I think having a strong gym community is one of the biggest things that makes you actually want to go.” 

Coming from a mixed background, Espinoza is also proud of her roots. “On my dad’s side, I am Irish, Scottish, English, and then we have some Viking in us as well. On my mom’s side, we’re Mexican, Puerto Rican, Black, and Spaniard,” she said. Being born and raised in El Paso, a border city, Espinoza was highly exposed to Mexican culture and also celebrates much of her Puerto Rican heritage with her grandparents. “I identify more as a Latina,” Espinoza said. “I’m so mixed and I feel like I can represent a lot of people and a lot of cultures, but I very much identify with my Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage. I also love the diversity in El Paso as we have so much rich Mexican culture here. You don’t get that everywhere. I’ve lived in Kansas and Oklahoma as well, and I truly believe there’s no place like El Paso.” Speaking of her hometown, Espinoza is also a proud Texan. “I’m such a big Texas girl. I’ve got my cowboy boots with the flag on it and everything. And my great grandmother only wore red, white and blue and was very patriotic and also a very proud Texan. I’m also a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. I love them!” 

Currently, Espinoza is enrolled in college where she is studying Criminal Justice. The true essence of Miss Earth USA, she is also the owner to a few special needs felines whom she loves dearly. “I have a cat who has one eye, a cat who has three legs, and a girl cat. All my babies are a part of my special needs community, and I love them so much.” 

Looking ahead, Espinoza is excited for what’s to come, and has been volunteering and partnering with a variety of organizations across the country. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to truly make a difference this year,” she said. She also has some advice for young ladies out there who may be struggling with confidence. “Whatever’s meant for you will happen. And you don’t have to be perfect. There’s no such thing as perfection. All you have to do is show up as yourself every day, and learn to love who you truly are because there’s no one else like you.” 

Regarding the Miss Earth USA organization, Espinoza shares her thoughts. “I fell in love with the Miss Earth system as they are very big on advocacy which I love. To me, pageantry should be about advocating for what matters most to you and using your platform to create something bigger than yourself.”

Be on the lookout later this year when Gia Espinoza will be representing the United States at the Miss Earth international pageant. 

Follow Gia Espinoza on Instagram here. 

Official: https://www.missearthusa.com/.

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Cover photo courtesy The Code Creatives and Rezanation Media.

Originally from San Antonio, Jenny Castro has a passion for writing, travel, and discovering new topics. She loves Tex-Mex food, Tejano music and George Strait. Check her out on Instagram to keep up with her work and latest adventures.