Dayana Mendoza is a former beauty queen, winning Miss Venezuela 2007, and later, Miss Universe 2008. She is also known as a contestant from Season 5 of NBC's Celebrity Apprentice.

Mendoza beat 27 other candidates to win Miss Venezuela 2007 and became only the second woman representing the Amazonas state to win, following Carolina Izsak in 1991. She was crowned Miss Universe 2008 at the pageant in the Crown Convention Center, Nha Trang, Vietnam, on July 13, 2008. Mendoza became the first winner of the pageant from Venezuela since Miss Universe 1996's winner Alicia Machado, thus making her the first Venezuelan Miss Universe in the 21st century. Mendoza spent her year-long reign traveling the world lecturing on humanitarian issues and promoting education regarding HIV/AIDS.

In 2012, Mendoza was a contestant on the Celebrity Apprentice. In Episode 3, "How Much is That Celebrity in the Window?," she was the winning project manager of her team on a task to create two themed living window displays for Ivanka Trump's clothing and accessory line, winning $20,000 for her charity, the Latino Commission on AIDS. She came in sixth place after being eliminated in the 12th episode.

In 2012, Mendoza served on the panel of judges for the Miss USA 2012 competition.

On January 6, 2018, Mendoza returned to Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Vietnam, where she was crowned Miss Universe 2008, as a judge on Miss Universe Vietnam 2017.

Additionally, Mendoza is the founder of Dayana Mendoza Shop, an exclusive online boutique that supports all well known and upcoming designers while contributing to various charity organizations.

In 2018, she produced her first film titled Honey. The film raises awareness about domestic violence and was recognized by the Hollywood International Film Festival.

Hispanic Heritage, Hispanic Heritage Month, Diversity, AIDS / HIV, Beauty, Beauty queen, Miss Universe Venezuela, Latin America, Spanish Speaking, Diversity Topics, Social Justice, Social Issues, Philanthropy, Philanthropist,