News

You’re WANDA’s Strongest Ally
The most impactful lesson I learned from the program was the importance of having a network of amazing women to guide me along my journey. WANDA empowered me to take charge of my personal finances and thrive when I feel supported. – Sophia S. WANDA Graduate, 2023 WANDA...

Beyond the Immediate: The Power of Long-Term Investment
We often find ourselves faced with tough questions from mothers, funders, and partners. These questions challenge the very essence of what we do and why we do it. They make us reevaluate our approach, our mission, and our vision. One such question that was recently...

WANDA’s Beneficial Partnership with Stanford University’s Alumni Consulting Team
WANDA has had the privilege of collaborating with Stanford University's Alumni Consulting Team (Stanford ACT) on three pivotal strategic initiatives. Stanford ACT's mission is to drive enduring community impact by mobilizing teams of Graduate School of Business (GSB)...

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 have drastically changed my life,” she shared. “When I first started...

Partner Spotlight: LEMO Foundation
WANDA recently celebrated the graduation of our program participants in collaboration with the LEMO Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all student-athletes within Silicon Valley communities through sports, technology, and...

Continued Partnership with MidPen Housing
Building upon the success of our 2022 pilot program in collaboration with MidPen Housing, a respected nonprofit affordable housing provider in Northern California, we're thrilled to announce an upcoming second partnership this fall. This endeavor will focus on serving...

Recap: WANDA’s Graduation Celebration
Earlier this month, the women and allies of WANDA came together to celebrate and honor our graduating Cohort 13! It was an inspiring afternoon; Lateefah Simon kicked us off with an engaging keynote speech, WANDA Mom Sophia Sandoval shared her personal story of...

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 empowerment that WANDA holds dear....

“Raised by latchkey, powered by sarcasm”
By Danika Dellor, Executive Director of WANDA Recently, I had the honor of being recognized as a Woman of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, culminating at a lovely celebratory dinner in San José. It was an evening filled with powerful and thoughtful...

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 felt overwhelmed and on the verge of giving up. However, my...