She beat off challenges from the other semifinalists: Top 10 semifinalists Anna Malova of Russia, Andrea Roche of Ireland, Kerishnie Naicker of South Africa, Lymaraina D'Souza of India and Michella Marchi of Brazil, Top 5 finalists Silvia Ortiz of Colombia and Shawnae Jebbia of USA, eventual 2nd Runner-Up Joyce Giraud of Puerto Rico, and eventual 1st Runner-Up Veruska Ramírez of Venezuela.

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.

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, Janelle Commissiong, who also happened to be the first Miss Universe of African heritage, captured in 1977 the crown for her country for the first time.

She made appearances on "Live with Regis and Kathy Lee", "The Magic Hour", "Politically Incorrect", "The O’Reilly Factor", CNN’s "Talk Back Live", Trinidad and Tobago Carnival" for BET, "The Johnny Cockran Show" on Court TV, Soca Monarch Finals for CNMG with Danny Glover and Chris Tucker, among others.

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.