Wanda has served the 3rd Legislative District in Albany since January 1999 and currently serves as the Deputy Chair of the Legislature. She brings a wealth of experience to the position and possesses proven leadership skills in working with the community in various endeavors. She is a founding member of the Legislative Black Caucus and serves as the City of Albany’s 4th Ward Leader.

During her time in the Legislature, Wanda has authored the “Tobacco-Free Pharmacy” legislation to prohibit the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies and other health care facilities. She was instrumental in the effort to build a new nursing home for seniors, successfully brought Congregate Meal Services to seniors, and supported continued funding for NY Connects. In addition, she has been a strong advocate and proponent of improvements to foster care to reunite families and establish permanency for children. 

Wanda has co-sponsored a bill creating a nonpartisan, inclusive and participatory redistricting process for the future. This piece of legislation is key to the success of the legislature because it ensures proper representation of all community interests, whether rural, urban or suburban.

Wanda retired as an Assistant Retirement Program Administrator after more than 34 years of service with the New York State Local Retirement System. During her career, Wanda implemented the first "pre-retirement workshops for NYSLRS."

Community service is very important to Wanda and she has volunteered at variety of agencies including the Boys and Girls Club of Albany, Teen Girls Leadership Program, Capital District African American Coalition on AIDS, the Kids Improvement District, and the Mount Olive Southern Baptist Church.

Wanda has received numerous awards and recognitions over the years including the 2007 New York State Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Achievement Award; 2009 Too Deep Entertainment Outstanding Community Leadership Award; 2010 Capital District YMCA Black and Latino Adult Achievers Award; Blessed Hope Worship Center, Hope Award for Outstanding Community Service; Dr. Martin Luther King Annual Basketball Tournament, Hall of Fame Coretta Scott King Award; and RFK Democratic Club, Favorite Elected Official.

Wanda is a lifelong Albany resident and is a committed servant to her family, church friends and community.