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
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President of womenfitness.net, and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or in full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2026 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
Your motto is “movement is medicine”. How does this philosophy directly influence the advice you give to your patients for preventing or slowing cognitive decline? Is there a direct link between a sculpted physique and a sculpted mind?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
Humans are designed to move. Movement enhances many hormones that are vital for a happy existence. Movement doesn’t necessarily mean producing a sculpted physique, it enhances overall body function. I believe there is a definite positive link between a sculpted physique and a sculpted mind. When you feel good and love the person looking back at you in the mirror, you are happy. Happy helps cognitive function. I do use the phrase, “find you happy” when consulted patients.
Namita Nayyar:
Your life motto is profoundly simple yet challenging: “Help those that can never repay you”. Can you share a story of a time you lived by this motto, and how it has shaped the person you are today?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
When I visit busy city and eat at beautiful restaurants, I order an extra meal. Walking back to my hotel, I always drop the food next to a sleeping homeless person. I will never meet that person, but I pray they enjoy another fabulous meal. I have taught my children this simple act of kindness and it is beautiful to hear their stories when they positively make an impact in the world.
Namita Nayyar:
You are passionate about chairing charities around the world. How do you choose the causes that are closest to your heart, and what is the most important lesson you’ve learned from your global philanthropic work?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
Having a charitable heart is the best gift from the Universe. The passion that humans put in their desired charities is astounding. I love helping chair these events from complete strangers. I have learned that we come from so many different places, with so many different cultures and when groups combine, magic happens.
Namita Nayyar:
You’re also an aspiring author. Can you give us a hint about the book you’re working on? Will it be a psychological guide, a memoir of your incredible life, or a fitness and wellness manifesto?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I love wellness manifesto. My first book definitely aligns with that.
Namita Nayyar:
You have a perfectly chiseled, sculpted physique. Let’s talk about the work behind it. What does a typical week of exercise look like for you? Is it all about heavy lifting, or do you incorporate other disciplines?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I am a natural runner. I try to do at least one half marathons a year. Weightlifting is vital for muscle tone and fat burn. My favorite disciplines are Pilates and yoga.
Namita Nayyar:
You run marathons and downhill ski. How do these two very different physical passions complement each other? What do you love about the mental state each activity puts you in?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
To downhill ski, you need a fit cardiovascular system. Running trains my body to sustain long ski runs. When I run for 2 or 3 hours at one time, that is a lot of time for mental chatter. It is a great solo, me time.
Namita Nayyar:
With a schedule this packed, diet is crucial. Can you walk us through a typical day of eating? Are there specific “brain foods” or anti-inflammatory foods you prioritize for both your physique and your cognitive sharpness?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I utilize peptide therapy. Oatmeal and eggs are great sustainable foods to begin the day. I eat a banana every day. I follow this easy rule: Eat like a king in the morning and a peasant for lunch. I intermittently fast in the evenings. No snacks. Lots of water.
Namita Nayyar:
Your skin is radiant. With all the stress, travel, and training, what are your non-negotiable skincare rituals? Do you have a favorite product or a secret weapon for maintaining that “pageant-ready” glow?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
Healthy skin begins from the inside. My glow comes from my cellular level. I love vitamin C in the morning and RetinA in the evening. I wash my face every night. I never sleep with makeup. That is my non-negotiable.
Namita Nayyar:
Between marathons, clinical work, and galas, your hair must go through a lot. What is your hair care philosophy? Any tips for maintaining healthy, beautiful hair amidst a high-intensity lifestyle?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
Vitamin C and Iron are my secret weapons to great hair. Clip-in hair extensions are magical as well.
Namita Nayyar:
You are the CEO of a healthcare company and a household of six children and two grandchildren. What is your secret to managing the logistics of such a large, beautiful family while pursuing your own ambitious goals?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I have been blessed with a big, beautiful family. We are all very close and we travel the world together frequently. I have always put them first and that has paid big dividends.
Namita Nayyar:
Your children and grandchildren get to watch you run marathons, earn titles, and help others. What do you hope is the biggest lesson they learn from watching you live your life?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I feel they love watching my success, which in turn motivates them to be successful humans.
Namita Nayyar:
With such a busy global schedule, how do you create moments of connection and “down time” with your family? What does quality time look like for the Setoudeh-Maram household?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
We eat together as a family. I love to cook and they love to eat. I know their favorite foods. We take one big international trip a year and explore new countries and cultures together.
Namita Nayyar:
You are Mrs. Texas Classic Universe 2026. What is the one major goal you want to accomplish during your reign before you pass on the crown?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I want to promote and grow the Classic Universe sisterhood. This is my forever family. I will compete on a big stage in July, and I want all of my fabulous friends to be part of a beautiful sisterhood.
Namita Nayyar:
You’ve achieved so much. When you close your eyes and look ten years into the future, what does “ Dr. Karena” look like? What new mountain are you climbing, literally or figuratively?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
Ten years from now looks beautiful. I envision many grandchildren and the great success of all my children and their children. My dream is a beautiful sprawling ranch in Montana surrounded by the Great Rocky Mountains.
Namita Nayyar:
Finally, for the woman reading this who feels overwhelmed, who thinks she can’t start her fitness journey or go after a big dream because she’s “too busy” or “too old”. What would Dr. Karena say to her?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
My best advice is to just start. One foot in front of the other. Baby steps. With repetition, those baby steps become leaps and bounds. It is a big and beautiful world, and I am glad each of you is in it. We all were born for greatness, shine for the world and the world will shine back. Remember: Find you’re Happy!
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President of womenfitness.net, and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or in full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2026 Women Fitness