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 …
Spread the Word
This disparity our moms face between yearly income and cost of living in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties is truly eye opening. The average WANDA mom supports two children and earns just over $4,000 …