WANDA Alumna Takes on Goal Setting

With the recent retirement of longtime WANDA Faculty Member Barbara Tyler, we were tasked with finding a new teacher for our popular Goal Setting classes. Thankfully, WANDA Alumna Alexandra (Alex) Schaeffer was a natural fit for the …

Alumna Spotlight: Hanaa Salha, Cohort 15

Inspired by a close friend and fellow single mother, Hanaa Salha was ready to enhance her financial situation and overall well-being. “Before joining WANDA, my circumstances were daunting. A divorce and job changes had left me struggling …

Alumna Spotlight: Melody Miranda, Cohort 13

Facing financial uncertainty and even homelessness, WANDA mom Melody Miranda knew something had to change, not only for her future but the livelihood of her three children, too.   Before WANDA, I was living paycheck to paycheck, moving …

Alumna Spotlight: Fátima Perea, Cohort 13

Surrounded by incredible women and inspired by their empowering words, Fátima found the motivation to persevere. “I just wanted to take the time to thank the WANDA team and let you know how much you …

Honorary WANDA Mom Spotlight: Lateefah Simon

With over 25 years of experience as a veteran organizer, a long-time philanthropic leader, and a nationally recognized advocate for civil rights and racial justice in Oakland and the broader Bay Area, Lateefah embodies the spirit of …

Alumna Spotlight: Stacey Mobley, Cohort 14

WANDA came into my life at a time when I was struggling to make ends meet and living paycheck to paycheck, with a depleted savings account. Alongside various health issues and numerous other challenges, I …

Alumna Spotlight: Corinna Chan

Corinna Chan’s journey with WANDA has been one of perseverance and transformation. Originally a member of cohort 13, financial difficulties made it impossible for Corinna to save for several months, forcing her to drop out …

Alumna Spotlight: Blanca Medina

A huge congratulations to one of our amazing Alumnas Blanca Medina for recently facilitating WANDA’s new Financial Literacy class focused on budgeting.  We are thrilled to announce that she will be the lead facilitator for …

DiversityInc Profiles WANDA Mom, Charisse

WANDA alumna Charisse Fontes shares her story in this DiversityInc article, “Race, Homelessness and the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility.” Read the full article: https://bit.ly/3YWZ3u5 “When Fontes was homeless, she was determined to improve her children’s lives. . …