Wendy Fitzwilliam
Wendy Fitzwilliam | |
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(Winner) |
Wendy Marcelle Fitzwilliam (born 4 October 1972) is a Trinidadian lawyer, actress, model, singer, tv host and beauty queen who won
Early life
Fitzwilliam has one sister. She grew up in Jade Gardens Diamond Vale, Diego Martin and attended Diego Martin Girls R.C before attending
Miss Universe
Fitzwilliam modeled for local fashion designer Meiling in her teenage and early years. She won
Fitzwilliam's regal air and perfect evening gown presentation won her the favor of the judges and made her the favorite to capture the crown that night. However, once the final 3 were announced, the final answer portion led people to suspense, since there was a deadlock between her and Ramirez of Venezuela who had won the swimsuit competition with the highest score ever seen at the time. Because there were eight members on the panel of judges and no way to break an eventual tie, the decision promised to be a nail-biter.
In the end, Fitzwilliam prevailed and became the first contestant in history to win wearing a bikini in the swimsuit competition, denying Ramírez that title as well. Her win came 21 years after another Trinidadian,
During her reign, she was honored by the
Her dedication to the HIV/AIDS cause also led her to found The Hibiscus Foundation (THF) in Trinidad and Tobago on 6 September 1998. This organization was established to heighten AIDS awareness in Trinidad and Tobago and to give assistance, financially and otherwise, to children's homes in Trinidad.
She was the international spokesperson for Clear Essence Skin Care and made several notable television appearances having hosted segments of "Wild On…" for
She made appearances on "
After Miss Universe
After her reign, she recorded a jazz demo and continued her education. In 2000, she was admitted into the bar.
Fitzwilliam has also acted as a judge and host for many regional and international pageants, such as Miss Guyana, Miss Trinidad and Tobago and Miss Universe.
She was the Vice President of Investment Promotion at the Evolving TecKnologies and Enterprise Development Company Limited (E TecK), a state-owned company in Trinidad and Tobago. She is also attached to the
She was appointed the
Wendy is also referenced in the 2016 DJ Bravo Song "Champion", which gained cult status following the victory of the West Indies cricket team in the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 tournament.
She is one of the judges of the reality television competition Caribbean's Next Top Model.
In 2023, she was a guest judge of the 71st edition of Miss Universe, held at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.[2]
Personal life
Fitzwilliam gave birth to her son, Ailan Andrew Panton[3] in June 2006. She separated from his father, David K Panton, a Rhodes Scholar, CEO and former Senator in the Jamaican government, in 2008. She currently resides in her native Trinidad and Tobago with her son Ailan Panton.
References
- ^ "Wendy Fitzwilliam, Miss Trinidad and Tobago, crowned Miss Universe", Jet, 1 June 1998
- ^ "LOOK: Miss Universe unveils all-female selection committee for 2022 pageant". Rappler. 11 January 2023. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
- Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Retrieved 24 September 2010.
External links
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