Dayana Mendoza isn’t what she appears to be, so don’t let her stunning looks or pageant poise fool you. The woman has survived being kidnapped, embarked on a professional career as a teenager and faced down Donald Trump across a boardroom table six times. Clearly, she is tougher than she looks. Standing a statuesque 5’9”, the green-eyed beauty queen is unafraid of confrontation, hard work or speaking her mind. In case you’ve been living under a rock, you missed Mendoza’s turn on The Donald’s The Celebrity Apprentice where she worked to raise money for the Latino Commission on AIDS, an organization and issue she’s championed since her reign as Miss Universe. Mendoza made it mid-way through the season before getting ushered out of Trump’s boardroom. She also regularly faced down comedienne Lisa Lampanelli. Despite getting “fired” Mendoza garnered lots of attention for her energy and fierceness, as well as her beauty.
Mendoza once led a much simpler life than anyone could imagine. The 25-year-old model and beauty queen grew up in a humble home in Caracas, Venezuela with her parents, sister and grandmother. At just 13-years-old she was discovered, waiting for the bus, by a modeling scout. She was soon swapping her humble existence for a jet-set life acting as a muse for photographers across Europe where she posed for fashion designers like Roberto Cavalli and Max Mara. Her modeling led to beauty competitions which is where you probably recognize her from. Mendoza was crowned Miss Venezuela 2007 and qualified for the Miss Universe crown – a title she won in 2008.
When ‘LLERO spoke with the trilingual Venezuelan (she speaks Spanish, English and Italian) her “half-glass full” attitude and humility was ever apparent. She also had plenty to say about wearing her heart on her sleeve, reality TV and standing up for Latinos everywhere.
‘LLERO: Why did you decide to go on The Celebrity Apprentice?
Dayana: How can you say no when you’re offered the chance to work for your charity? It doesn’t make sense to say ‘I don’t want to work for charity.’ It was an amazing opportunity for the Latino Commission on AIDS to be more recognized in the country and outside of it and for the Latino community to be recognized and supported.
‘LLERO: What did you think of Arsenio’s win?
Dayana: I was so happy for him. I was rooting for him since the show started. It was someone who could maintain his honesty and respect for himself as well. He did an amazing job, Clay as well. It’s really amazing that they were the two finalists…they’re both incredible.
‘LLERO: You locked horns with Lisa Lampanelli throughout your time on the show and after she made racist comments about you on the radio. But you stood up for yourself and for others. Did you feel any pressure to do so? Did you two ever make amends?
Dayana: I would say right after she said that we did (make up). I understand she’s a comedian – her job is to make fun and make fun of people. But then being on radio and being mean continuously…it’s not a stand up show anymore. It’s not part of how funny you are. She’s being derogatory. Those slurs are the language of ignorance. I don’t believe in the United States Latinos should be looked at in a derogatory way but celebrated. And she’s been using those terms a lot. If you’re talking that way you’re missing tools.
‘LLERO: Who did you get along with best on the show?
Dayana: Patricia Velazquez. We were supporting each other from the very beginning. I believe we had each other’s backs. She’s an extraordinary human being.
‘LLERO: Would you do any more reality shows? Which ones?
Dayana: Well, I don’t really see The Celebrity Apprentice as a ‘reality show.’ You’re not getting drunk and letting people watch you 24/7, looking at you eating, getting out of the shower or invading your privacy. It’s about developing and working on different tasks to raise money. It’s a show that has a point. I see it as a game show. [To be on a reality show] it would have to be a very specific idea, a different format than I understand [reality shows to be.]
‘LLERO: You’ve been a model, an ambassador and a beauty queen, what’s next for you?
Dayana: I’m a huge believer of not counting the eggs until they’re there. There are so many things I’m planning on doing and working on that are still cooking. I want to leave it there. And God willing, I’m very lucky and fortunate to have great opportunities. I hope it keeps getting better!
‘LLERO: If you hadn’t been discovered and become a model what do you think your life would be like now?
Dayana: I think so much about those things, especially when I was younger. I had to finish high school with adults because I had to travel out of my country so much. I would have gone to college, get a master’s, be working and doing what everybody else does when they’re not traveling around the world; having a pretty casual life, working, at home and supporting my family.
‘LLERO: Growing up, what did you want to be?
Dayana: I wanted to be a dentist…a designer…a politician…a painter…a lawyer. I can still pick and choose! In which order I don’t know [laughs]!
‘LLERO: Our ‘LLERO’s all want to know what do you look for in a man?
Dayana: I’m very simple. I want someone who has respect, honesty and fun.
‘LLERO: You’re a big supporter of the Latino Commission on AIDS. Are there any other charities that you support?
Dayana: I’m really interested in working for an anti-bullying organization. Because of my experience on the show I can only imagine people who go through it every day of their lives – in school, college, at work. It would be an interesting task for me and I think I would really enjoy it.
‘LLERO: What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Dayana: I’m [simpler] than what I seem to be. I’m somebody who makes her decisions with her heart. And I don’t think things through so much and that something that gets me in trouble [laughs]. [I make] decisions all the time and change my mind constantly. I’m a Gemini. Also…I’m too honest sometimes. That puts me in trouble. I can’t open my mouth. Not many people like to hear the truth and I’ve learned how not to be so direct all the time.