Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram is the reigning Mrs. Texas Classic Universe 2026 and an aspiring author. She is the wife of Dr. Shahriar Setoudeh-Maram, together they have 6 children and 2 grandchildren. She is the CEO of M.C. Health Care, P. A. Karena holds a PhD. in Psychology and actively works in a clinical setting performing pre-dementia, Alzheimer’s screenings and cellular medicine. Her life purpose is empowering people and her motto is and has always been: “Help those that can never repay you.” and “movement is medicine”. Karena’s passions entails traveling the world and chairing charities. Her hobbies include downhill skiing, running marathons and she is an avid reader.
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram Mrs. Texas Classic Universe 2026 an exceptionally talented CEO of M.C. Health Care, here she talks about her life’s mission, her fitness routine, her diet, her beauty secrets and success story.
Namita Nayyar:
Congratulations on being crowned Mrs. Texas Classic Universe 2026! What was going through your mind the moment your name was called? How does this achievement feel, especially at this stage of your incredibly full life?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
At Classic Universe Pageant, there are not preliminary pageants. State, National and International titles are appointed, and the Classic Universe World Finals are in Las Vegas, Nevada in July. I have won international titles in the past and when your name is called, it is the most ethereal feeling. A high that cannot be described in words. I have incredible support from my husband and children, they still show up for me and looking at them from the stage fills my heart immensely.
Namita Nayyar:
You are a CEO and a Doctor of Psychology. What motivated you, a busy professional and mother, to enter the world of pageantry? What statement did you hope to make on that stage?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I love being a Queen, I love competing in different categories and I love being on stage. When I compete, it isn’t really against other women. It is always me against me. How I improved, how I am stronger. I want to be a beacon for all women at all ages that dreams really come true and there is not a dream too big.
Namita Nayyar:
For those who might see pageants as superficial, how do you use the Mrs. Texas Classic Universe platform to further your life’s mission of empowering others and promoting brain health?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
There will always be naysayers and negative energy surrounding the crown. My job is to break those stigmas by promoting sisterhood and community. I feel every woman with a crown has a megaphone to let the world hear her passion project. My passion is to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. A disease that will affect every breathing human. Whether family, neighbor or self. I use my crown and voice for those that cannot speak for themselves.
Namita Nayyar:
Your work involves performing pre-dementia and Alzheimer’s screenings using cellular medicine. For our readers who may be worried about their cognitive health, can you explain in simple terms how cellular medicine offers a new perspective on brain health?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
If we can heal our bodies from the cellular level, we can live happier, longer, fruitful lives. Our world changes so quickly. Peptide therapy and bio hacking are the future for longevity and health. Our goal as practitioners is to help mankind move beautifully in their 90’s.
Namita Nayyar:
Working daily with patients and families facing cognitive decline is emotionally demanding. How do you, as a psychologist, protect your own mental and emotional well-being while being so deeply present for others?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I balance my life between family, work, friends and self-care. I realized this as an early clinician to avoid burn out, I must balance my overall world. My husband and I travel often, and it is a rest for both of us. He is an ER and family practice physician.
Full Interview is Continued on Next Page
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