Mendoza became Miss Chocó in 2001, a year in which Miss Colombia was facing a racial scandal. She became the first Black Miss Colombia, winning the title over first runner up, Consuelo Guzmán Parra.
In 2001, Mendoza won the title of Miss Chocó, a year marked by racial issues within the Miss Colombia pageant. She triumphed over Consuelo Guzmán Parra for the top spot.