‘Deal or No Deal’ Models

Everyone’s favorite game show is back! Host Howie Mandel is once again joined by 26 models for CNBC’s continuation of the dream-making series. In each episode a contestant claims a case, which holds anywhere from one penny to one million dollars, and is then given options to sell their case (“Deal”) or to keep opening more cases until only theirs remains (“No Deal”). Get a closer look at all 26 “Deal or No Deal” models for the current season by clicking through our photo gallery above. Ladies, please!

–By Marcus James Dixon

SORAYA YD

Hometown: Queens, NY

Instagram: @SorayaYd

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment has been taking part in a mental health and social media awareness video that went viral on Facebook, with over 107 million views and almost 2 million shares. As someone whose sister passed away due to a mental health ailment, it’s important for me to continue to raise awareness and shine a light on this issue. It is currently affecting so many people, including our future generations to come.

TAYLOR CLARK

Hometown: Topeka, KS

Instagram: @taylorlindsayclark

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Some of the best and most memorable adventures I have had to date were while I was performing in countries around the world as captain of the LA Clippers dance team. Getting to explore and emerge into other cultures was so inspiring.

KATIE LUDDY

Hometown: Rochester, NY

Instagram: @katieluddy

What has your experience working with the other briefcase models been like?

My experience with working with so many amazing women on “Deal Or No Deal” is that it’s so inspiring and empowering. All of these women are so strong, independent and confident with themselves. Each woman on “Deal or No Deal” brings a special part to the dynamic of the group and we all support each other to the fullest.

BRENDA LOWE

Hometown: Miami, FL

Instagram: @brendalowe_

Claim to Fame

Starred on “Survivor: Nicaragua” and “Survivor: Caramoan”

What is one thing motherhood taught you?

More than anything, children learn by your example. I have to always show good character by being courageous, using my head and learning how to process emotions intelligently because my little boy is watching and processing everything. I’m grateful for this role and the added responsibility.

LANI BAKER

Hometown: Henryetta, OK

Instagram: @heyitslanilynn

If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive who would they be?

I would have dinner (preferably an Italian dinner, consisting of chicken fettuccine Alfredo and breadsticks) with Emma Stone, Loretta Lynn, and Leon Bridges. Emma is someone I truly admire within my field as she’s the epitome of a versatile, chameleon-like actress. I’d love to chat with her about both the victories and struggles she faced in the industry. I grew up listening to Loretta Lynn while my Mom made breakfast in the mornings, so her songs will always hold a place in my heart. Also, her story is such an inspiring one. I’d love to hear it firsthand. I think Leon Bridges may be my celebrity crush. His old soul is eloquently portrayed within his music. I could listen to his easy tunes for hours. In fact, I have!

MEGAN ABRIGO

Hometown: Mililani, HI

Instagram: @MeganCari

What is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?

To say that I LOVE to travel is an understatement. I have been so lucky to have traveled to so many different places. I’ve been to almost all 50 states, Canada, Mexico City, Cancun, Tulum, Cabo, Costa Rica, Japan, Bali, Fiji, Majorca, South Africa, Italy, and Paris. Of all the traveling I’ve done, there is one place that is near and dear to my heart … and that place is Hawaii. It is where I was born, raised and where my roots will always be. “Aloha Spirit” is something you understand when you get there: the smell of flowers in the air, how locals love to be on island time, and what community actually feels like. Hawaii is always in my heart and always puts a smile across my face. Live, Love, Aloha!

JORDANA DEPAULA

Hometown: Goiânia, Goiás Brazil

Instagram: @JordanaDePaula

If you weren’t modeling what would you be doing?

I fell into this industry during my senior year of college, where I was prepping to become a dentist. If it weren’t for an agent booking me on a “Reebok” job from my Facebook picture, I would probably be drilling teeth and filling cavities.

NEKA STEPHENS

Hometown: Mililani, HI

Instagram: @nekachoo

Describe a time when you competed in something.
 
I used to be a hardcore bowler. I was on my high school bowling team, placed at states both with the team and individually, and I competed later on in junior and adult leagues. I even entered a tournament in Las Vegas! It was a fun experience but, after a while, it started becoming more stressful because I’m really hard on myself. Once it stopped being fun, I moved on to the next chapter in my life.

PATRICIA KARA

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Instagram: @PatriciaKara

Who do you admire most in the world and why?

I admire my mom the most. She is a very strong woman! She was a single mother with three kids, no family and barely spoke English.

VAEDA MANN

Hometown: Hattiesburg, MS

Instagram: @livinlavaedaloca

How would you be as a contestant on “Deal Or No Deal”?

So I’ve been taking some mental notes throughout these past few episodes, and it has been so interesting to witness people’s different approaches. I have my lucky numbers, I always gravitate toward odd, but I would 100% listen to my gut throughout every situation whether it be going for it or playing it safe. I like to think that I wouldn’t let the opinions of the crowd or the greed for more money get in the way of making good decisions. Honestly, life lesson right there, people.

BRITTANY MCGOWAN

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Instagram: @brittany_mcgowan

If you could be someone else for one day who would it be?
 
If I could be someone else for one day I would trade places with my favorite superhero, Wonder Woman. I was so OBSESSED with Patty Jenkin’s and Gal Gadot’s depiction of Wonder Woman that I saw the movie three times in the theaters! To me, Wonder Woman embodies all things a true hero should represent; including love, empathy, justice, and kindness. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be a fierce, Amazonian goddess for a day!?

SARATI

Hometown: College Station, TX

Instagram: @saratiofficial

What does being on ‘Deal or No Deal’ mean to you?

Being a “Deal or No Deal” model is more than opening a briefcase and looking pretty. You’re a part of changing someone’s life. Watching the families and contestants freak out when they win thousands of dollars is thrilling! We get to be a part of it. We get to work with the best host on television. We get to be a part of the “Deal or No Deal” family that is so happy and nice! Shows like this don’t come along every day. This is a once in a lifetime show and I’m HONORED to be a part of it.

MAHOGANY LOX

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Instagram: @MahoganyLOX

You might know her from…
 
Her career as a DJ, singer, and YouTuber as well as her famous family members, grandfather Berry Gordy (founder of Motown Records), uncle Redfoo (of LMFAO), and brother SkyBlu (of LMFAO).

OLGA SAFARI

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Instagram: @olgasafari

What is one moment that made you the person you are today?

I think when I moved out as a teenager and had to support myself entirely on my own made me mature for my age and taught me a lot about responsibility, staying focused, and hard work.

MADI TEEUWS

Hometown: Southlake, TX

Instagram: @madtev

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Being my own constant source of motivation. I got myself financially and emotionally through high school, college, and then through the transition to living in Los Angeles.

JESSICA LEE

Hometown: Denver, CO

Instagram: @the_jessica_lee

What has your experience working with the other briefcase models been like?

Casting and production did an incredible job finding such an amazing group of women! To curate such a finely tuned group of women, whose personalities align, is a magical task and they did it because all of these women are awesome; they’re like sisters to me.

ASHLEY JONES

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Instagram: @ashleymariejones

If you could be someone else for one day who would it be?

Can it be an animal? I would be a dolphin for the day. I am in love with the ocean and I think it would be beautiful to see all the amazing things the planet has to offer.

ELISSA INGRID

Hometown: Dundas, Ontario

Instagram: @elissaingrid1

What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I once went on a 14-day whitewater canoe trip way out in rural Quebec and we lost our map halfway through.

NATASHA WARD

Hometown: Portland, OR

Instagram: @natasha_ward

Explain what it means to you to be a woman today.
 
It’s an exciting time for women. We are speaking up and charting new paths like never before. We are running countries, companies, and households; we’re allowing ourselves the freedom to flourish in our talents and ambitions outside of the traditional options of wife and mother. For myself, being a woman in today’s society has meant not letting ageism, sexism, or beauty standards and trends define the way I see myself or limit my ambitions. I am allowed to be black, athletic, curvy, outspoken, feminine, intelligent, articulate, playful, and successful all at the same time. I don’t need children or a husband to COMPLETE me. I would absolutely love to have a family someday, but it will be because I’ve chosen to share my life with someone who COMPLIMENTS who I am, not completes me. And until then I am perfectly content charting my own path and don’t see myself slowing down any time soon.

AMANZA SMITH

Hometown: Vincennes, IN

Instagram: @AmanzaSmith

What is your favorite memory of being on the original “Deal Or No Deal”?
 
I loved working on the original “Deal Or No Deal!” My favorite memory was literally the first day that I worked –– someone won a million dollars!

MALIKA MILLER

Hometown: Montclair, NJ

Instagram: @Malii_boo

What are your lucky numbers and why?

My lucky numbers are 4, 14, and 24. I have always seen these numbers pop up in my life whether it was my jersey numbers, plane seats, or room numbers. My new lucky number is 21 though!

ANCHAL JOSEPH

Hometown: Miami, FL

Instagram: @anchaljoseph

What has your experience working with so many amazing women on “Deal Or No Deal” been like?
 
When it comes to fellow models; I have become fond of many. Alums Patricia, Megan, and Amanza are sweethearts and have been so welcoming. You would think being around 27 women from across the world and 12-17 hours a day would be disastrous, but we have great synergy. I’m so grateful to have been a part of this and I have made lifetime friendships.

ANNE JULIA HAGEN

Hometown: Berlin, Germany

Instagram: @annejuliahagen

Who do you admire most in the world and why?

My mom because she makes me feel her endless love even though we are over 4,800 miles apart.

KIZZI BARAZETTI

Hometown: London, UK 

Instagram: @Reallifekizzi

What is one goal you have yet to accomplish?
 
I really want to host my own show. I have a couple of ideas that I want to start out online – one where I incorporate my brand and my love for cooking vegan food and demonstrate how cooking vegan food can be fun, easy and delicious! I think there are a lot of misconceptions about being vegan and how hard it is. I’d love to contribute to breaking that stigma. My husband and I have been documenting our travel adventures for our family and friends, but recently have been sharing our videos more publicly and I’d love to explore the prospect of hosting a travel segment too!

SUMMER BELLESSA

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Instagram: @summerbellessa

What is your proudest accomplishment?
 
My proudest accomplishment is starting my family with hubby Kerry Bellessa. We have three kids, ages seven, five, and almost two.

MICHELLE DE LEON

Hometown: Olongapo City, Philippines

Instagram: @the_michelledeleon

If you weren’t modeling what would you be doing?

Running my own doggy daycare/hotel company! Which is the direction I AM going. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE animals!