MEET ELITE MISS RHODE ISLAND EARTH 2018: LAURA BARLOW

Elite Miss Rhode Island 2018, Laura Barlow, developed a passion for nature and animals at a young age. Now in her thirties, she spends her time volunteering, running a non-profit organization and taking care of her two rescue dogs. Her purpose in this world is to spread a message of love and compassion towards nature, animals and humanity. Laura also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree and is a school teacher. Laura is proud to be Elite Miss Rhode Island 2018!

Hometown: Cranston, Rhode Island
Occupation: Teacher
Hobbies: Volunteering, Nature, Animals, Health and Fitness, Cooking, Event Planning, Fundraising, Fashion
Favorite food: Do I have to pick one!? I love to eat! Some of my favorite foods include: Vegan Macaroni & Cheese, Vegan Nachos, Maple Mustard Tempeh and Hummus!!
Favorite movie: Avatar and Contact
Three words that sum you up: Compassionate, Passionate and Motivated
Song you have on repeat right now: XO by Beyonce! The song came out in 2013 but recently I have really connected to it. I love the theme of the song, “to create light from darkness.”
Dream job: I am blessed to be a teacher and I love my career. My other dream job would be working full time to help animals. I would particularly love to help put an end to the Taiji dolphin drive hunt.
One thing you can’t live without: My family and dogs!
Favorite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Having a state title must keep you pretty busy! What is a typical day like for you?
I am very busy! My typical day involves teaching, taking care of my dogs, completing my responsibilities involved in running a non profit organization and being a state title holder. It is a lot of work but I would not have it any other way. Service to my students, community, state and the planet is what gives me purpose. I also make sure to take care of myself as well. Everyday I make time for healthy eating, exercise and relaxation. In order to best serve others we ourselves must first be physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy.

What has been the highlight of your reign so far?
The highlight of my reign so far has been all of the amazing people I have met in my community and all of the wonderful organizations I have been involved with. I have volunteered weekly and I have so much more planned. It feels amazing to be making a positive difference in my community! There truly is joy in service to others. I am very thankful to the Miss Earth United States organization for giving me this amazing opportunity to be an ambassador to environmental protection campaigns.

What are some of your best beauty secrets to looking flawless all the time?
My best beauty secret is to use cruelty free products! Nothing makes me feel more beautiful than knowing that no animals were harmed in the making of my beauty products.

Lady Code has a focus on anti-bullying and women empowerment. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be victims of bullying?
Seek help! If you are being bullied please talk to a teacher, friend or parent. Please also know that you are not alone. It is impossible to be alone because you are connected to everything around you. I would also like to offer this quote from Scott Stabile as advice: “I wish you knew how normal your feelings are, and how universal your struggle is. You are so not alone. You couldn’t be alone if you tried.”

Tell us about your platform:
My platform is “We Are All Connected.” I want to help people awaken from the illusion of separation and to understand that we are all connected: nature, animals and humanity. We are all Earthlings. Every action we take has an impact on others. It feels great to know that we can live a lifestyle that shows compassion, love and respect for humanity, animals and our planet.

What can Lady Code readers do in their communities to get involved?
There are easy things that we can do everyday to respect the connection between all life. Reducing single use plastic, recycling, eating vegan meals, saying no to plastic straws and picking up trash are just a few examples. To get more involved in your community, search online or through social media for organizations that have a mission you feel connected to and passionate about. Reach out to organizations and ask what you can do to get involved. Most organizations need volunteers and would love to have your help!

In your free time, what do you enjoy doing?
In my free time I enjoy running a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and volunteering with causes that I am passionate about. I also enjoy trying out new vegan recipes in the kitchen, dining out at restaurants and traveling. I love spending time with my family and loved ones including my two rescue dogs, Baxter and Mama Belle.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice that I have ever received was to research how animals are treated in society. The knowledge that I gained though my research helped me to open up my heart to animals, to truly love and respect them. It feels amazing to live a lifestyle that shows compassion on animals, to know that my everyday choices reflect my core belief of love and respect for all life.