I’ve always had a passion for service and to be a part of causes that are making a change in the world. When I retired in 2018, I had the opportunity to return to my roots of service and community work. Being a part of WANDA has allowed me to be a part of something bigger than myself.
I started my career in government and the public service sector, working on a Committee staff of the U.S. House of Representatives and later as a Policy Advisor for the Governor of New Jersey. Due to the unpredictable nature of politics at the time, I decided to pivot and move to California to pursue a MBA at Stanford University Graduate School of Business. After graduating, I started at Charles Schwab where I worked and grew with the company for over 20 years.
In 2018, I retired from my role as Senior Vice President of Charles Schwab. This allowed me to spend time with my two daughters before they moved out of the home. During this time I also began searching for community service opportunities.
It was then that one of my friends from business school encouraged me to join Stanford Business School’s Alumni Consulting program, where alumni offer free consulting projects to nonprofits. The first project I was assigned to help with was WANDA’s.
That project gave me a chance to understand WANDA and meet the people driving its mission. When the organization later applied for another Alumni project, I was eager to step in as lead and deepen the relationship.
Working with WANDA through the consulting projects helped me understand the depth of the organization and why its programming is so meaningful. WANDA is multifaceted. Many programs offer financial literacy classes, savings support, or career development, but WANDA brings all of these elements together and combines it with community connection and peer support. It’s the way these pieces connect and reinforce one another that makes the work so powerful.
After helping WANDA with both projects and seeing the value first hand, I decided to join WANDA’s Board of Directors. I have served on the Board for the past four years and currently lead as the Board Chair. As I continue my time on the Board I am forever inspired by the moms in the program—their resilience, creativity, and focus on creating opportunities for themselves and their kids.
To me, WANDA is special because it works with women over an extended period of time allowing them the space to change and grow. Changing habits is difficult, it doesn’t just happen overnight, so having time to practice and the support of your peers is really impactful. Our program provides skills, time, and ongoing support to make a difference in the lives of the women who participate. That’s why I believe in WANDA and the work that we’re doing.
Over the years, WANDA has had a profound impact on moms in the Bay Area by helping them build financial capability, leadership skills, and the confidence to pursue their future goals. From navigating the uncertainty of a global pandemic to becoming a 501(c)(3) and expanding our partnerships across the region, WANDA has grown significantly—allowing us to reach and support even more single mothers. In 2027, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of WANDA’s founding. Reflecting on all we have accomplished, I am excited for the growth and possibility that lies ahead.
Outside of my volunteer work with WANDA, I love spending time with friends and family, reading, listening to Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s podcast “Wiser Than Me,” attending theater performances, and enjoying the outdoors.