Wendy Roach: Breaking the Mold, Building a Movement

Henry Kawasaki
5 Min Read

In a world that often defines beauty with narrow lines, Wendy Roach is the bold brushstroke painting outside of them. With a presence that commands attention and a spirit rooted in authenticity, Wendy isn’t just a model or a healthcare executive—she’s a force of change, a voice for the voiceless, and a living symbol of empowered evolution.

Shaping Power from Pain

Wendy’s journey began in Chicago, where the odds rarely favored girls who didn’t fit society’s prescribed ideal. She was quiet, curvy, and constantly told to shrink herself to fit in. But instead of accepting limitations, she transformed them into fuel. “Every doubt thrown at me became a stepping stone,” she has shared. That resilience would become her signature.

Her breakthrough moment came draped in a crown—not as a symbol of vanity, but of victory. In 2021, Wendy won the title of Ms. Plus Intercontinental at the Miss Plus World pageant. But the crown wasn’t the end—it was the ignition of something far greater. She used her reign to speak out for causes close to her heart, including pulmonary fibrosis awareness, a tribute to her late father. “I didn’t just walk a stage,” she says. “I stood for something.”

Making the Industry See Her—and Everyone Like Her

Fashion’s tides were shifting—and Wendy stepped into the surf with elegance and fire. She became more than a pageant queen; she was a model of representation. From gracing the catwalks of New York Fashion Week and Fashion Week Curve, to earning her stripes at the legendary Coco Rocha Model Camp, Wendy’s journey was proof that the industry was finally starting to listen—and she was ready to speak volumes.

At Coco Rocha’s mentorship program, she discovered that modeling was less about perfection and more about presence. “Modeling became storytelling,” Wendy reflects. “It’s about telling the world: I’m here, I matter, and so do you.

Beauty with Brains and Balance

While some shine in front of cameras, Wendy shines just as brightly in boardrooms. As a regional director in healthcare and a doctoral candidate in Organizational Leadership, she’s mastering the art of duality. Navigating both fashion and healthcare, she’s living proof that power isn’t confined to one path.

Her leadership style, grounded in empathy and connection, mirrors the same passion she brings to the runway. “Healthcare taught me compassion. Modeling taught me courage. Together, they shaped my calling.”

Award-Winning Advocate for Every Body

In 2024, Wendy was honored with the Morgan Pierce Every Body is Beautiful Award—a recognition reserved for those who champion inclusivity and self-love. For Wendy, it was a moment that crystallized her mission. “This wasn’t just an award—it was a declaration that we all belong.”

Her voice has since grown louder and clearer, not only in fashion but in media and education. With upcoming workshops, a video series, and frequent speaking engagements, Wendy is building a platform that uplifts others. She’s on a mission to show that success is not one-size-fits-all—and neither is beauty.

A Legacy in the Making

What makes Wendy unforgettable isn’t just her accolades—it’s her message. Her personal mantra—“You are beautiful, you are powerful, and you are uniquely you”—isn’t just a catchphrase. It’s a call to action for every person who’s ever felt overlooked.

Wendy Roach isn’t just breaking barriers—she’s rewriting the blueprint. With grace, grit, and unstoppable determination, she’s leading a new era where representation isn’t a request—it’s a requirement.

As she looks ahead to new runways, deeper advocacy, and broader impact, one thing is certain: Wendy isn’t done making history. In fact, she’s just getting started.


Follow Wendy’s Journey
Website: wendymroach.com
Instagram: @roach.wendy
TikTok: @wendymroach
Publicist: Larissa Long
Agency: Terri Murray Models

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