Los Angeles, Jan 7 (IANS/EFE): Venezuelan actress and model Patricia Velasquez, who played Anck-Su-Namun in the 1999 film "The Mummy" is one of the 18 contestants on the upcoming season of Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice".

The 40-year-old Velasquez, and former Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza have become the first celebrities from Venezuela to take part in the popular NBC show, whose new season begins Feb 12.

"I am convinced that the Latinos who see this series will feel very proud," Velasquez said. "Dayana and I will strengthen that pride in our culture, in the values of Latin Americans."

"Of course each one of the 18 participants will do everything it takes to win, that's what it's about, but there are many ways to compete. Personally, I take on this challenge with one thing in my head and it's that I will never go beyond the limits of human respect," Velasquez said.

She said her participation in "Celebrity Apprentice" was a chance to publicise the work of Wayuu Taya Foundation, the non-profit organisation she launched 10 years ago to aid the Wayuu, a Venezuelan indigenous group.