Ask JBH #53: Wendy Fitzwilliam

Ask JBH

An entrepreneur, lawyer, philanthropist, mother, author and Miss Universe 1998, Wendy Fitzwilliam has forged a career that spans television production, entertainment, social activism, fashion, radio broadcasting, government and law.

A native of Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago, in 1998, Wendy became the third woman of colour and the second Trinidadian woman to win the Miss Universe Crown, two months prior to her final examinations at law school. She was admitted to the Trinidad and Tobago Bar in 2000.

Her work with government includes, Vice-President of Business Development and Investment Promotion with eTecK (a Trinidad and Tobago Industrial and Industry Development Company); the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania; and business consultant to the University of Trinidad and Tobago.

Wendy served as host and co-executive producer of Caribbean’s Next Top Model (CaribeNTM), the Pan-Caribbean version of America’s Next Top model (ANTM).

Wendy also connected with her fans and listeners on “The Wendy Fitzwilliam Show”, a one-hour weekly radio program that explored how – and what it means – to achieve one’s dreams.

Wendy’s has also champion a variety of charitable causes.

She has served as United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for HIV/AIDS, Ambassador of Youth for the Caribbean for the Red Cross and also founded The Hibiscus Foundation (THF), a children’s foundation that focuses on HIV/AIDS.

When not working, Wendy engages in her most rewarding role of all: mother to her son, Ailan. Her memoir, “Letters to Ailan” was first written as an extended love letter to her son.