Dayana Mendoza lists her interest as photography, interior design, advertising and meeting new people from different countries.


Miss Venezuela 2008 Dayana Mendoza in a swimsuit bikini.


Dayana Mendoza photo in a white evening gown for Miss Universe 2008.


Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza picture in her national costume for Miss Universe 2008.


Miss Universe judges in 2008 were Donald Trump Jr. (Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization and son of New York billionaire Donald Trump), Roberto Cavalli (fashion designer and entrepreneur), Nadine Velazquez (star of NBC’s “My Name Is Earl” television program), Jennifer Hawkins (Australian television presenter and Miss Universe 2004 winner) Louis Licari (“Today Show” ambush makeover expert) and John Nguyen (Vice Chairman of Hoan Cau, LTD Investment and Construction).

The Japanese model and dance instructor Riyo Mori was the Miss Universe winner in 2007 (she received the crown from the Puerto Rican model Zuleyka Rivera). Mori handed over the crown to Dayana Mendoza before a worldwide television of audience of one billion people.


Miss Universe winner in 2007 Riyo Mori crowned the winner (Miss Venezuela) of the beauty pageant in 2008.


Miss Universe winner from 2007 Riyo Mori crowning the new Miss Universe winner for 2008 Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza. Miss Mendoza is wiping away her tears of joy as Riyo Mori places the crown on her head.

The 2008 Miss Universe® Pageant winner was announced on July 14 and was broadcast live on NBC from the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Vietnam, Asia.