Pamela Stribling, The Graceful Go-Getter
Pamela Stribling believes you can have it all, just not all at once. A former Miss Georgia turned therapeutic area specialist in immunology and dermatology and mom of four (including twins she welcomed at 43), she’s spent her life refusing to settle while carefully balancing one goal after another. But as she ages, this beauty queen is discovering that success is no longer about trophies or applause, it’s about impact. An impact she’s happy to make steadily, brick by brick, through raising her family, serving her community and living with purpose.
You became a mom to twins at 43. How has this season of life changed you?
This has been the most humbling and empowering chapter of my life. It completely redefined what balance means. Before, it meant juggling a career and social life; now, it’s about giving myself grace when the laundry piles up and recognizing that sometimes balance simply means being fully present in the moment. Resilience took on a new meaning too. Motherhood at this stage requires energy, patience and flexibility I didn’t know I had. It’s shown me that strength isn’t about powering through—it’s about vulnerability and asking for help when you need it. And joy? Joy is everywhere now. It’s in the chaos, the sticky hands, the bedtime giggles. At 48, I don’t take any of it for granted. These little ones have reminded me that life doesn’t follow a script, and sometimes the most unexpected seasons bring the most profound happiness
What’s your advice for those unsure of stepping into 40?
Stop seeing 40 as an ending and start seeing it as a beginning. In your twenties and thirties, you’re often proving yourself—to your career, to others, to yourself. After 40, you realize the proving is over. This is your season to own your story, chase what lights you up, and stop apologizing for taking up space.
How do you give back to others?
I’m passionate about supporting mothers who are juggling so much but still trying to carve out a better future for their families. I’m also dedicated to children’s health. After becoming a mom to twins later in life, I felt immense gratitude for the medical teams who cared for us, which inspired me to fundraise and raise awareness for pediatric care. I want my kids to grow up seeing that service is not an obligation, but a joy.
What’s something you’ve learned to appreciate later in life?
Time. I used to rush through life, chasing goals and validation. Now I treasure the slow mornings, laughter-filled dinners, dates nights with my husband and bedtime stories. These are the moments that can’t be bought back, and they matter more than any title or achievement ever could.
