Who I am

Hello, I’m Angela “Angie” Pennella. 

I’m a TEDx and motivational speaker, a leader in human connection, and the creator of Hugs in the Wild™—a lifestyle rooted in purposeful compassion and authentic human connection. Somewhere along the way, people started calling me The Official Hug Dealer™, and honestly… it stuck.

Hugs in the Wild started as a way of living through intentional presence. Through years of stories, conversations, hardship, healing, hustle, and hope, I discovered that intentional human connection—sometimes as simple as a hug—can spark something powerful in people. A pause. A breath. A reminder that they’re seen.

My life and work are guided by five pillars: Hugs, Hope, Hustle, Healing, and Heart. They’re not just words to me; they define how I live, how I lead, and how I show up in the world—on stages, in everyday moments, and in the wild spaces where kindness is often least expected but most needed.

This is Hugs in the Wild. A lifestyle. And you can be part of it.

In a world that moves fast, stays distracted, and often keeps people at a distance, human connection has become rare—and deeply needed. Hugs in the Wild matter because they slow us down. They remind us we’re not alone. They tell our nervous systems it’s safe to exhale. They say I see you without needing words. Hugs in the Wild isn’t about forcing connection or crossing boundaries; it’s about intentional presence—meeting people where they are, honoring consent, and choosing compassion in moments that could easily pass us by.

I’ve witnessed it over and over again: A hug can soften grief. It can restore hope. It can create a spark—one small moment that changes the way someone carries themselves back into the world. In a disconnected culture, hugs become a quiet act of courage and a reminder that kindness is still alive. As a motivational speaker, I emphasize that humanity still matters. This is why hugs matter—not because they fix everything, but because they open the door to healing, one human moment at a time.

Because life is heavy—and you don’t have to carry it alone. 

Whether you’re navigating loss, rebuilding after change, chasing a dream, caring for others, or quietly holding it together, Hugs in the Wild™ exists to remind you that human connection is still possible—right where you are. This isn’t about being the loudest, the strongest, or the most put-together. It’s about showing up human and being kind. 

Hugs in the Wild™ invites you to slow down. To notice people. To choose compassion in ordinary moments. To remember that small acts—presence, compassion, a simple hug when welcomed—can shift the atmosphere of a mood, a room, a day, even a life! You don’t need a stage, a title, or a plan. You just need a heart that’s willing. This lifestyle is for anyone who believes: 

kindness still matters 

healing can be quiet 

connection can start with one brave moment of courage 

and love is meant to be shared, not saved. 

As a motivational speaker, I emphasize that Hugs in the Wild™ matters because you matter—and the world needs more people willing to live with intentional presence like that.