Wanda is a champion for community advancement and enrichment. A native North Carolinian who grew up in Southeast Raleigh, Wanda has always and continues to care deeply for the economic and social ills that plague communities and has witnessed firsthand the disparities in resources that hurt most families in poverty-stricken communities. She is also a true lover of people who wants to see the perfection of their purpose fulfilled.

Wanda has over 25 years of Non-Profit Administration, Human Resources Management, and community leadership experience. She has worked in various roles in the non-profit sector including Executive Director, Director of Operations, and Director of Development. Exuding a motivating leadership style, Wanda successfully strengthens stakeholder relationships, pursues philanthropic enterprise/endeavors, and implements efficient processes to improve functioning operations.

Wanda serves as the Executive Director of the Nate McMillan Foundation, which aligns with her desire to respond to the epidemic of fatherless young men. She concentrates her efforts by creating and executing programming, specifically a mentoring program, which addresses this crisis and aims to help and empower these young men. Additionally, Wanda is an exceptional fundraiser that ensures their initiatives are financed and successful. Outside of her broad scope of business, Wanda also uses her passion to act as a catalyst for change by bringing events to the community and facilitating community engagement. She has hosted multiple events where the information positively impacted men, women, boys, and girls. For example, “Total Woman Weekend” brought relevant topics that empowered and inspired women from all walks of life; “Boys II Men” conference, for ages 13-21, equipped young black males with information and empowerment to make good choices and not take chances when it comes to their futures; and numerous scholarship banquets/charity events that raised significant donations to help students in their college endeavors. With the ambition to see communities thrive, Wanda has also served on various boards: Southeast Raleigh Promise, NC Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Academy, and Central Wake High School.

She is truly a strong leader and a vigorous advocate for the community. In addition, Wanda is the proud mother of two adult children, Jasmyne and Desmonde Jr. (Crystal), and the proud grandmother of Cali.