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Dr. Johanna Serna Correa embodies a rare synthesis of purpose, service, and visibility. Her journey — shaped by immigration, faith, and a deep commitment to care — unfolds at the intersection of medicine, advocacy, and public leadership. As an international beauty queen and a practicing veterinarian, she approaches compassion not as a symbol, but as a daily discipline, lived through action rather than rhetoric.
Your story begins with immigration, purpose, and service. Looking back, what inner conviction helped you move forward during moments when certainty wasn’t guaranteed, but the calling was clear?
My conviction comes from my faith and family. My parents instilled faith in me from my upbringing, and it is something I am able to pass along to my family. Faith and family have always driven me to be my best version of myself to help and serve others, even if the outcome is not clear or guaranteed. When you give it your all with good purpose, then you have already succeeded in your mission, regardless of the outcome.
You’ve spoken about beauty as something inseparable from service. How did this philosophy take shape in your life, and how does it guide the choices you make today—both professionally and personally?
I’ve used beauty — the events, the pageants, the magazine covers and articles, etc. — as a way to distinguish my brand to serve the many organizations that have meaning to me. They have benefitted from the exposure, which draws even more attention, donations, and service from others. Personally, when I am able to present the best version of myself through inner and outer beauty, then I know that it will have a positive impact upon others. I can also be seen as a role model for many young aspiring girls who want to showcase their beauty to serve others.
Titles and recognition have played a role in your journey, yet you speak of them as platforms rather than destinations. What responsibility do you feel comes with visibility, especially as an international beauty queen?
With visibility as an international beauty queen comes a significant responsibility to use that platform for positive impact. This includes advocating for social issues, promoting diversity and inclusion, and inspiring others, especially young women, to pursue their dreams. The role also involves being a role model, demonstrating integrity, and leading by example in both personal and public actions. Ultimately, it’s about leveraging that recognition to create meaningful change and encourage conversations that matter.
As a veterinarian, compassion is not symbolic—it’s lived daily. How has working so closely with vulnerable lives shaped your leadership style and your understanding of care beyond your profession?
Working closely with vulnerable lives as a veterinarian fosters a profound sense of empathy and compassion that transcends professional boundaries. This experience shapes leadership by emphasizing the importance of active listening and understanding each individual’s unique needs, whether they be animals, clients, or team members.
The daily encounters with patients in distress highlight the significance of patience and resilience. Each situation demands a tailored approach, reinforcing the idea that care is not just about clinical expertise but also about emotional support. This holistic perspective influences my leadership style by encouraging collaboration, open communication, and a nurturing environment where team members feel valued and supported.
Moreover, witnessing the bonds between animals and their owners deepens my understanding of care. It underscores the importance of building trust and fostering relationships, which are essential in any leadership role. The lessons learned from these interactions extend beyond veterinary practice, informing my approach to community engagement and advocacy for animal welfare, ultimately shaping a broader understanding of compassion in all aspects of life.
As you expand your work across countries and causes in honor of your father’s legacy, what is your primary hope and the impact you wish to leave behind?
As I expand my work across countries and causes in honor of my father’s legacy, my primary hope is to create a lasting impact on the lives I touch, rather than accumulating titles or accolades. I aspire to inspire others to embrace their own journeys of growth and compassion, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
I want my journey to empower individuals to recognize their potential and the importance of their contributions, no matter how small. By sharing stories of resilience and transformation, I aim to instill hope in those facing challenges, encouraging them to pursue their passions and advocate for themselves and others.
Additionally, I hope to bridge gaps between diverse communities, promoting understanding and collaboration across cultural and social divides. By working on causes that resonate with my values, I want to cultivate a culture of empathy and support, demonstrating that collective action can lead to meaningful change.
Ultimately, my goal is to leave behind a legacy of connection and compassion, where the impact is felt in the hearts of individuals rather than measured by conventional success. I hope to inspire a ripple effect, where the lives touched by my journey continue to uplift others, creating a more compassionate and interconnected world.
