As a mother of two, with a background in philanthropic work, I am excited to support an organization like WANDA, lifting up mothers and providing them with resources that can greatly impact their life and the lives of their children.
I have a long history of working in philanthropy, beginning in nonprofit services and then moving to institutional funding with Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF). In my current role as a Philanthropy Advisor, I help individuals and families who hold Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) to get money out the door in meaningful ways.
I was first introduced to WANDA through my previous role at Sobrato Philanthropies. Towards the end of my tenure, I worked with Danika Dellor, WANDA’s Executive Director, to recommend a funding strategy to the board at Sobrato, and was happy to see it get approved. Being a part of that successful strategy outcome with WANDA gave me immense respect for the organization, and led me to join WANDA’s Board of Directors to become a continuous partner to the organization.
What enticed me about WANDA’s programming was their strategy paired with their ability to make a true distinction between financial literacy and capability in terms of putting what single mothers learn into action. We’re not just delivering the knowledge, we’re helping people adopt better habits and change their behaviors around money.
When single moms join WANDA they’re not only gaining valuable financial insights, they’re also joining a network of support from other women in their cohort, as well as valuable connections to outside organizations and safety net resources. Whether it is formally or informally, the opportunity for these connections in WANDA moms’ lives is huge.
Experiencing the challenges of being a parent first hand, let alone imagining what it is like for a single parent in the Bay Area, has shown me the value of WANDA’s programming.
In my time on the board, I’ve been most proud to see WANDA become a 501(c)(3), which was a monumental accomplishment after over a decade of fiscal sponsorship. Being part of something bigger than myself has inspired me, both in my position on the board and my role as a parent.
It’s also been empowering to hear the stories of the women who go through this program. Whether they are going into city government roles or serving on their PTA, each of their stories is really powerful. At events like WANDA’s graduation, you hear firsthand how much participants’ everyday lives have improved through their involvement. I think that’s the most exciting part—the everyday positive change that WANDA makes.
Outside of my philanthropy work, I like to spend time with my two children, watching them participate in whatever sport or activity is in season. I also enjoy taking part in outdoor community activities in my downtown space and supporting local vendors.