Johana Bahamón is an actress and social activist known for her significant contributions to the Colombian prison system through her organization, Action Interna.
She is recognized not only for her acting career but also for her pioneering work in prison reform and rehabilitation.
Her notable role in television series Tres Milagros marked a turning point in her career, causing her to shift from acting to focus on social issues, especially the social integration of incarcerated people.
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- Full name: Johana Bahamón Gómez
- Date of birth: July 27, 1982
- Age: 42 years old
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Cali, Colombia
- Nationality: Colombian
- Profession: Actor, social activist, businessman
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: María Mercedes Gómez, Héctor Bahamón
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Juan Manuel Salazar (married 2014), Andrés Cabas (married 2004-2009)
- Children: Not applicable
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: Not applicable
- Net worth: 1 million USD
Early life and education
Johana Bahamón is currently 42 years old and was born on July 27, 1982. She grew up in Cali, Colombia, where she was raised by her parents, María Mercedes Gómez and Héctor Bahamón.
Details about her siblings are not publicly available. Johana pursued higher education at Colegio de Estudios Superiores de Administración (CESA), where she earned a degree in Business Administration.
After graduating, she enhanced her skills by taking acting courses and workshops in Bogotá and New York. Throughout her early years, she was influenced by her Colombian heritage and the socioeconomic challenges faced by many people in her community. Johana identifies as a Roman Catholic.
Personal life
Johana Bahamón’s personal life includes two marriages. She was first married to Andrés Cabas from 2004 until their divorce in 2009. In 2014, she married Juan Manuel Salazar. Details about their relationship and the children they may have are not publicly revealed.
Career
Johana began her acting career in 2000 and appeared in about 15 productions, with her last leading role being in a television series. Tres Milagros. In 2012, she made the important decision to leave acting to devote herself to social activities in the prison system.
She founded Acción Interna to improve living conditions and opportunities for incarcerated people in Colombia. Her initiative has reached more than 112,000 people in various prisons through programs focused on education and rehabilitation.
Prize
Johana has received several awards for her work, including recognition by Forbes as one of the 50 powerful women in Colombia in 2020. In 2024, she was included in the BBC’s 100 Women list .
Net worth
Johana Bahamón’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This wealth was accumulated through her successful acting career and her business endeavors with Acción Interna.
Argumentative
Johana Bahamón has faced scrutiny primarily related to her transition from acting to activism. Critics have questioned whether she could effectively advocate for prison reform given her background as an actress.
Some say her celebrity status could overshadow the voices of those directly affected by the prison system. Additionally, there have been discussions about the effectiveness of her programs and whether they actually address systemic problems in Colombia’s penal system or merely temporary law.
In recent years, Johana has also participated in discussions surrounding the Second Chance Law (Law 2208), which aims to provide economic incentives for reintegration into society after incarceration.
Social Media
- Instagram: @johana_bahamon_
- Twitter: Not applicable
Cinema
- The life of the mafia
- Tres Milagros
- Grandma
Book
- History Privadas de la Libertad (2020)
- Segundas Oportunidades (2022)