Dorado, Puerto Rico
Born in Reno, Nevada, Wilson began her pageantry career competing for Miss Nevada in 1969 and 1970, placing as a runner-up. Wilson later moved to Honolulu, Hawaii with her mother and began attending the University of Hawaii. She was later crowned Miss Hawaii USA 1972, earning the right to represent Hawaii at Miss USA 1972 in Dorado, Puerto Rico. She went on to win the title, becoming the second woman from Hawaii to win Miss USA.