Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, announces engagement to pastor Carlos Uribe

Another Miss Universe is about to become a "Mrs." Dayana Mendoza, who was crowned Miss Universe 2008, is happily engaged to pastor Carlos Uribe. The former beauty queen from Caracas, Venezuela, shared the exciting news on Instagram, where she has over 2 million followers.

 Most of Mendoza's Instagram is dedicated to Christianity, so her public announcement was a surprise since she has kept her personal life private in recent years. She shared the news with a gallery of photos, the first proudly showing off her engagement ring—an emerald surrounded by small diamonds.

 In the photo were three hands, the soon-to-be-married couple, and her daughter, Eva, with whom she shares with her ex-husband, businessman Michael Pagano.

A heartfelt faith-based message

In the caption, Mendoza shared a heartfelt message of gratitude, attributing this new chapter in her life to her faith. "My Lord Jesus, Thank You!!!!!.When you started showing me what you were about to do, I didn't imagine it would be so wonderful!!!!. Only YOU can make things so perfect!!!" she wrote. "My Lord, we are confident of this: this work, which thou hast begun, thou will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.. We are certain that we will continue to see Your right hand and Your power working on and for us, and our family, because what You have begun, You are faithful to complete."

"My Lord, Jesus, thank you! When you began to show me what you were about to do, I never imagined it would be this wonderful! Only you can create something so perfect! My Lord, we are convinced of this: the work you have begun, you will perfect until the day of Christ Jesus. We are certain that we will continue to see Your mighty hand working in our lives and our family because what You have started, You will faithfully complete. This blessing has been prepared by You from the beginning of time so that only You will be glorified!" she continued. 

In the second slide, she also shared a photo of a painted piece of art with another bible verse, "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her." (Luke 1:45) There was also a cute little heart with "mama" in what seems like her daughters handwriting so they may have made it together. 

Feeling the support

Although Mendoza has been out of the spotlight for years, some colleagues from the pageant world congratulated her. Inés María Calero, Miss Venezuela 1987, commented: "What a beautiful blessing God knows when to grant us the gift of true love @dayanamendoza. May He continue to bless you and touch thousands of hearts."

From Miss Universe to Evangelist 

On July 14, 2008, Mendoza was crowned Miss Universe in Vietnam. A year later, Venezuela made history with a back-to-back victory when Stefanía Fernández won the title in 2009.

Despite a successful career in media and television, Dayana stepped away from the spotlight in August 2020, dedicating herself to her Christian faith. She revealed that she faced personal and professional struggles, leading her to seek solace in her beliefs.

"My marriage failed, my modeling career didn’t fulfill or define me, and nothing was working out. I was desperate. That’s when I fell to my knees, surrendered, and asked God to take control. I saw His mighty hand guiding me, helping me, and showing me the right path," she once shared.