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: 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...
WANDA Mom – Profile of Success – Elisha St. Laurent
"I joined WANDA cohort 8 in 2015. My story is one filled with many hurdles, but victory has always been my goal. I had my son at 16..."
Susana Jimenez: Tenacity and resourcefulness pays off
Congratulations to Susana and her family! This summer Susana’s offer on a house in Bay Point was accepted, her WANDA matching funds were wired to the lender, and she closed on her home in late August. She’ll move into her new home with her two sons in October....
How a WANDA Silicon Valley Mom Helped Build Her Own Affordable Home
Julieta Aquino strolls proudly through her gleaming new home, a modest split-level condo on a busy thoroughfare in Fremont. With her 14-year-old daughter in tow, she scans the still-sparsely furnished, open floor plan living room-kitchen, pointing out the...
Congratulations to WANDA Silicon Valley’s Graduating Class
Congratulations to all the wonderful WANDA moms from Cohort 9 who graduated in April! We are so proud of your accomplishments! We had a great turnout and all of the speakers were so inspiring! Thanks to everyone who helped organize the event. Si se puede!!!The...
WANDA Mom, Julieta Aquino, with Glowe Chang, WANDA Governance Council Member
Meet Julieta Aquino, WANDA mom, and her daughter Alexys. This past Saturday was the dedication ceremony for the new housing development where Julieta will soon own her own home! It was a beautiful sunny morning. The excitement was palpable. Everyone was happy and...
WANDA Mom Profile – Jessenia Solorio
WANDA Mom Profile - Jessenia Solorio After talking to Jessenia Solorio for a few minutes you quickly realize that she is an excellent example of someone who has grit - the term that describes the quality of perseverance in the face of challenge. As a child, she...