When I joined WANDA, I was making a business decision that I felt supported my goals. As a single mother already managing my finances independently, I understood how to budget, build my credit, and plan …
WANDA Board Member Spotlight: Glowe Chang
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 …
Opal’s Courageous Fight
Reflecting on Juneteenth, Pride, and Maternal Equity This month, WANDA recognized Juneteenth and is continuing to celebrate Pride. Both serve as symbols of freedom, courage, and inclusivity – something that we are still fighting for …
Introducing WANDA Board Member: Danielle Powell
I’ve been in higher education for 29 years now, teaching at both four-year universities and community colleges across the United States. I started my career at my alma mater, James Madison University, and then taught …
WANDA Mom Spotlight: Oksana Udovytska, Cohort 16
I never thought I’d leave my home in Kyiv with my young daughter, especially not to a place as far away as California. Yet, I did. I never thought I would be accepted to pursue …
WANDA Alumna & Daughter Spotlight: Norma Quinonez and Martha Cuevas
In 2010, Norma was applying for a loan to start a small business from the Accion Opportunity Fund, and they referred her to WANDA. “I told them that I needed help with my finances, not …
It Takes a Village — Invest in WANDA
This Mother’s Day, we’re reflecting on the phrase “it takes a village.” When your village is just yourself, the demands of motherhood can be overwhelming and isolating. For nearly 18 years, WANDA has been cultivating …
Introducing WANDA Board Member: Vinutha Narayan
At my core, I am driven by purpose: empowering communities, advancing equity, and reshaping systems to unlock generational opportunity – enabling everyone to rise. I first learned about WANDA through my engagement with mission-aligned organizations …
Alumna Spotlight: Where is she now? Elisha St. Laurent
It’s been 10 years since I participated in WANDA! I’ve been working for the City of San José for five years now, in the housing department. My role is to drive housing development in Silicon …