A passion for service: Recognizing Aida Pantoja’s commitment to culture & community in Abilene

The Hispanic Heritage Month special is made possible thanks to North’s Funeral Home and Brownwood Funeral Home.

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – How far does your passion lead you? One Abilene resident is taking that phrase to new heights with her work in several local community outreach organizations. As Aida Pantoja reviews an exhibit at the Grace Museum honoring Hispanic heritage in Abilene, she reflects on her own motivations for her extensive community involvement.

“I always think of my ancestors who came here. They were strong leaders, hard workers. My passion for my culture. That’s the one sentence that I can say. I’m very proud of my Mexican heritage,” Pantoja expressed.

Pantoja’s passion for helping others within the Abilene community has led her to hold positions in various community organizations. She is a board member for the Salvation Army, Keep Abilene Beautiful, the Abilene Hispanic Business Council, the Grace Museum and more than half a dozen other outreach organizations.

Director of Abilene Christian University’s Hispanic Serving Institution, Abel Alvarez, spoke to Pantoja’s tenacious nature of helping others.

“Aida is an action-oriented person, and so she’s taking the necessary steps to acclimate and to be a champion not only for this country and for her people, but for this way of life,” Alvarez shared.

On top of all her other activities, Pantoja is also involved in the Abilene Rotary Club, and fellow club member and Professor of Bible at Hardin-Simmons University, Dr. Larry McGraw, gave his testimony to her character.

“It’s hard to get a handle on her because she never stands in one place very long. You’re always chasing after her, making sure that you are involved with the things that she is, because that means you’re doing a good thing for Abilene and the world,” McGraw explained.

With such a strong initiative for care for others, Pantoja shared why she has so much conviction in her passions, as well as advice for others like her who strive to make the community better.

“My dad was in the military, and he taught me to be strong. A leader,” Pantoja said. “Don’t give up, work hard, do everything with passion and help each other.”

Pantoja has remained active in all of these organizations and is also a valued member of our sales team at KTAB/KRBC. We sincerely thank her for the many ways she contributes to our community.