Perla Lugo is a Houston-based advocate, model, and community leader dedicated to empowering women beyond their past while advancing visibility, inclusivity, and representation for marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community.

Born in Matamoros, Mexico, and raised in Houston, Perla’s journey has been shaped by resilience, healing, and a lifelong commitment to creating spaces where people feel safe to be seen, affirmed, and celebrated. As a survivor of childhood adversity, she transformed personal healing into purpose-driven advocacy rooted in compassion, access, and belonging.

As a plus-size model and body-positive activist, Perla challenges traditional beauty standards by advocating for inclusive casting and authentic representation across fashion and media. She is especially passionate about ensuring LGBTQ+ and gender- diverse individuals feel welcome in creative spaces that have historically excluded them, reinforcing that everyone deserves visibility without compromise.

Perla is the founder and organizer of Ready, Set, Runway!, an affordable workshop series designed to educate and empower aspiring models of all identities,  backgrounds, and expressions. These workshops intentionally foster inclusive, judgment-free environments while providing runway training, casting preparation, and industry insight.

She also created and produced a runway show for Katy Pride in collaboration with The Transparent Closet, showcasing LGBTQ+ community members alongside their allies. This event celebrated authentic self-expression and unity, using fashion as a platform for pride, visibility, and affirmation.

Professionally, Perla brings experience in manufacturing, food science, quality assurance, and industrial safety—knowledge that reinforces her advocacy for safe, equitable, and inclusive environments. She applies these principles across her community work by promoting education, accountability, and dignity in every space she helps create.

Through volunteerism, mentorship, and collaboration with LGBTQ+-inclusive designers, creatives, and organizations, Perla continues to invest in the Houston community by amplifying underrepresented voices and expanding access to opportunity. Her work is guided by the belief that no one should be defined by their past—or denied a future where they can live openly, confidently, and authentically.

Perla is the reigning Mrs. Houston United World 2026, using her platform, Empowering Women Beyond Their Past, to champion survivorship, body inclusivity, and LGBTQ+ visibility. Her advocacy is deeply personal as a proud mother of a transgender child, fueling her dedication to creating affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals and families feel supported, protected, and empowered.