About
About Wendi
Meet Your Coach
Wendi Russo is an award-winning pageant coach with over 19 years of experience as a competitor, judge, and mentor. Known for producing confident, polished, and winning contestants, Wendi has guided women of all ages to success across local, state, national, and international stages.
Her own pageant career includes an impressive list of titles and placements, including:
Mrs. Minnesota America, Mrs. Minnesota United States (1st Runner-Up at Nationals), 1st Runner-Up at Ms. America, 2nd Runner-Up at Mrs. Galaxy, Mrs. Royalty International, 2nd Runner-Up at Ms. World, Mrs. United Nations, Mrs. Minnesota Earth (2nd Runner-Up at Nationals), Mrs. Premier World, 1st Runner-Up Mrs. Classic Universe, and winner of Mrs. Elite Universe TCP.
She is also a runway champion, earning top honors with Beauty Is Everywhere (Overall Winner – All Age Divisions) and holding the Supermodels Unlimited 35+ title.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE THAT SETS HER APART
In addition to her pageant success, Wendi brings a unique competitive edge through her career in live television sales. As a National Home Shopping Host with ShopHQ and on-air guest with HSN, she has logged over 13,000 hours of live, unscripted broadcasting; selling millions of dollars in products to a nationwide audience.
This high-pressure experience translates directly into her coaching style. Wendi teaches her clients how to:
Communicate with confidence under pressure
Clearly articulate their platform and purpose
Make a lasting impression in minutes
Her clients consistently excel in interview, the phase where pageants are most often won.
THE WINNER’S WAY
Wendi is the founder of The Winner’s Way, a results-driven coaching program designed for women who are serious about winning.
Her approach is honest, strategic, and deeply personalized.
Clients receive guidance in every area of competition, including:
Interview preparation and communication strategy
Personal branding and paperwork development
Wardrobe styling and stage presence
Runway, poise, and confidence training
Wendi is known for identifying each contestant’s unique strengths while refining areas that need improvement creating well-rounded competitors who stand out in every phase of competition.
On air live on Shop HQ channel with Betsy Johnson
Photo by Kristi Belcher
PROVEN RESULTS
Wendi’s coaching has led to hundreds of successful contestants and titleholders across multiple pageant systems and countries.
Her accolades include:
BEYOND THE STAGE
If you are ready to elevate your confidence, refine your presence, and compete at your highest level, Wendi Russo offers the expertise, strategy, and support to help you win.
Wendi Russo hosting on Shop HQ with Betsy Johnson
