Perla Persia is a compassionate leader, advocate, and aspiring veterinary entrepreneur whose life has been shaped by resilience, authenticity, and a deep commitment to serving others. After overcoming self-doubt, surviving a life-changing accident, and finding strength through personal loss, she has dedicated herself to empowering women, expanding animal rescue efforts, and creating meaningful change in her community. Guided by kindness, purpose, and unwavering faith in personal growth, Perla inspires others to embrace their uniqueness, lead with humility, and make a positive impact without dimming anyone else’s light.

Here is the Q&A session we had with Perla Percia.

Perla Percia As Cover Story Interview – July 2026 Magazine Edition

How do you introduce yourself?

I would describe myself as a confident woman, a leader with authentic kindness and a clear vision for life. I strive to leave a meaningful legacy and make a positive difference wherever I go. I believe in shining without dimming anyone else’s light while always remaining true to my own. Authenticity, compassion, humility, and service are the values that define me, and I believe true leadership begins by leading through example.

Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?

One of the greatest challenges in my life was overcoming my own insecurities. Before I turned 21, I was a young woman who constantly doubted herself. Fear held me back from pursuing opportunities, expressing my opinions, and fully embracing who I was. I often tried to go unnoticed because I believed I wasn’t enough.

When I turned 21, I made one of the most important decisions of my life: I chose myself. I decided to love myself, accept myself, and recognize the incredible woman I had always been. I realized that although my height might make me physically noticeable, I wanted people to remember me not only for my appearance but for my heart, my character, my authenticity, and the way I make others feel. I learned that I don’t have to feel less than anyone, nor do I need to dim someone else’s light for mine to shine.

Another heartbreaking moment was losing my grandfather. He was the pillar of my family, my mentor, and the person who always guided me. Even though he is no longer physically here, his values continue to lead my life. He remains my light and my greatest inspiration.

I also survived a serious accident that completely changed my perspective on life. It happened during a time when I felt emotionally and personally stuck. By God’s grace, I survived. My recovery was challenging, but today I stand here healthy, grateful, and stronger than ever. That experience became my rebirth. It reminded me that life is a gift and that every day is an opportunity to live with purpose, gratitude, and courage.

What do people usually not know about you?

Many people see me as a strong and determined woman, but what they often don’t know is that I have an incredibly sensitive heart. I deeply care about people, I love serving others, and I am naturally compassionate. My greatest strength comes from my ability to remain kind, even in difficult situations. I truly believe that sensitivity is not a weakness—it is one of the purest forms of strength.

What sets you apart from others?

What makes me different is that I don’t aspire to be like everyone else. I embrace my uniqueness and encourage others to embrace theirs. I genuinely enjoy supporting people, serving my community, and helping others grow. I don’t believe success comes from outshining others; I believe it comes from inspiring them.

I give my whole heart to everything I do and build authentic connections wherever I go. I believe we all have a unique purpose, and mine is to leave people better than I found them.

What are your upcoming major events?

One of my biggest goals is to continue growing my animal rescue project and expanding its impact throughout the Dominican Republic. I also plan to return to volunteering in nursing homes, where serving others has always filled my heart with purpose.

Another important goal is to rejoin leadership workshops that helped shape me years ago, contributing once again to the personal growth and quality of life of people in my country. I also want to continue empowering Dominican women, encouraging them to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.

Professionally, I aspire to establish my own veterinary laboratory dedicated to supporting veterinary clinics and improving animal healthcare across the country.

What expert advice would you like to give?

If I could share one piece of advice, it would be this: learn to truly love and embrace who you are. The world doesn’t need another copy of someone else—it needs the authentic version of you.

Your uniqueness is your greatest strength. When you live authentically—with humility, confidence, passion, and purpose—you naturally inspire others to do the same. You never have to dim someone else’s light in order to let yours shine. In fact, the brightest people are those who help others discover their own light.

Give your whole heart to everything you do. Serve with love, treat people with respect, value your surroundings, and never forget to value yourself as well. The way we transform the world isn’t by competing against one another, but by lifting each other up while remaining true to who we are.

Be courageous enough to follow your dreams, even when fear is present. Sometimes the greatest achievement isn’t becoming someone else—it’s having the confidence to become exactly who you were created to be.

Your social media handles and website links?

• Instagram: @perlapersia_
• Facebook: Perla Persia
• TikTok: @perlapersia16