Our Impact
We’re here to help you succeed
Since WANDA’s founding:
WANDA clients have collectively invested over $1 million in assets
WANDA clients have invested in homes, college educations, retirement savings, and new businesses
Clients on average increase incomes up to $10,000 and boost credit scores by 100 points
The retention rate in the three-year program is 87%. Clients report higher levels of personal confidence and financial stability
What we have learned most of all, is that WANDA graduates learn to invest in themselves and wish to pass along what they’ve learned and earned to their children. Indeed, more than 65% of the children of clients have started their own savings accounts.
Success Stories
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...
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...
“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...
Alumna Spotlight: Sophia Sandoval, Cohort 13
WANDA came into my life at a time when I had lost my job, my home, and my desire to continue living a routine life. I vividly remember the day I made up my mind and said to myself, 'I'm moving to California.' With my eight-year-old daughter by my side, we embarked...
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 of the program. However, she refused to...
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 our next partnership cohort with...
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...
Alumna Spotlight: Charisse Fontes
At the end of last year, one of our very own alumna Charisse Fontes had a full circle moment as she taught one of WANDA’s most popular seminars, “The Value of Traditions.” The seminar allows our moms to explore what makes a tradition and how they have opportunities...
WANDA Graduate Esmeralda Rubi Garcia – Profile of Success
“I have volunteered in so many different nonprofit organizations over the last 7 years. To be frank I’m not sure where exactly or who directed me to WANDA but, what I do know is that it has been a huge blessing. I wanted to join WANDA because they offered so many...