Before retiring, I spent my first 10 years working as a registered dental hygienist in Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley dental offices. After returning to the Bay Area, I spent the next 25 years working at a periodontal practice in Sunnyvale. In 2019, I was fortunate enough to partner with Children of Armenia Fund to provide dental cleanings and educational lessons on oral hygiene to grade-school children in a rural village in Armenia. In addition to my professional accomplishments, I am a mother to two adult children and a grandmother to a 4.5-year-old granddaughter and twin baby girls coming soon.
A dear friend of mine first introduced me to a United Way program that taught financial literacy to low-income single mothers. I loved the idea of a hands-on program where I could immediately see where my support was being put to action.
When she chose to start WANDA, I must admit, I wasn’t sure that WANDA could be successful. When you propose a matched savings program for an asset, such as buying a home, it didn’t seem possible, especially in this region, to be that successful. Despite my reservations, I decided to still play an active role in forming the direction of the organization.
Within three years of WANDA’s formation, one of our single mothers did indeed accomplish home ownership. She even did it without federal support of the first-time homebuyers program that was being offered at the time. In this one moment, all my doubt was erased. She proved me wrong.
Having served at the state-level dental hygiene organization, I held the position of VP of Education, which exposed me to the political aspect of healthcare. It was no surprise that I became involved with chairing the program committee on WANDA’s Board of Directors. WANDA has shown me that a very small group of like-minded women can truly make a difference at the local level. While dentistry tends to be a male-dominated field, dental hygiene is most certainly steered by women. Throughout my career and time on WANDA’s Board, I have seen firsthand how women can make a difference and have an impact.
In addition to my Board service, I also work hard to build personal connections with the moms. Since many of the moms come from different areas across the Bay Area, I kick off each session I lead with a 30-second check in to break the ice and get them talking to one another. There is always a prompt question to give each mom the chance to air a difficulty, share a challenge, offer help and support and ultimately build connections with each other. I’ve heard women share the names of attorneys, other social programs, child care referrals, and other relevant resources and tips for navigating life as a single mom. I’ve found that when a mom shares a challenge or a frustration with a supportive community of like-minded women facing the same challenges, the pressure doesn’t seem as great. The problem didn’t change, but maybe they were able to free themselves from it for a little bit.
Looking back on my tenure, it is still exciting to watch the potential of our WANDA moms. With the help of WANDA, when a single mother truly wants to improve their own life and that of their children, she understands that this is within their grasp to do so. I have seen so many single mothers accomplish this in so many different ways. Some moms have earned advanced degrees, started their own businesses, moved into their own homes, planned for their retirement, and most importantly, shown and taught their children the same lessons.
The fact that so many women have gone through our program in the last 18 years is amazing! Most of us received very few budgeting or money management lessons while we were in school. Plus, credit card companies have taught us to spend. No one focuses on saving. Except, WANDA does. It’s incredible to be able to break the cycle of poverty for so many moms who go on to teach their children the same financial lessons we have taught them. The slightest change in money mindset has made the biggest difference in their lives. Of course, it is not easy to break bad money management habits, but they have started and are building brighter futures for their families with confidence.
When I’m not volunteering, I also enjoy sewing and traveling. I’m also incredibly proud to be “Grandma.”