Appearances

yOUR vOICE mATTERS pODCAST – sEPTEMBER 14, 2023

Today, I was a guest speaker on Rebecca Dollinger‘s “Your Voice Matters” podcast at the Fishbowl Studios in Bedford, TX. We had a delightful conversation and I discussed why it is advantageous to embrace & implement positive thoughts. Thank you again my friend for the opportunity! Are you a podcast host with a female audience? Are you looking for someone who is dynamic? Someone who can resonate with your audience? Someone who can add value to your podcast? Allow me to bring my unique blend of fun and facts to your podcast. Contact me for more information 

newcomer friends of greater plano – march 14, 2023

This event was held at Colin College in Frisco, TX and I truly enjoyed the SYNERGY of the 100+ group members. I was joined by three AWESOME & SUPPORTIVE people in my life: Steve La Russa (my husband & photographer), Distinguished Toastmaster, Danielle Robertson (my mentor) and Vicki Marlett (she is helping me write my book). Afterwards, we went to Kelly’s Tavern and enjoyed a delicious lunch. 

PEOPLES EL SHADDAI VILLAGE and ST. JAMES MANOR – dECEMBER 30, 2022

My last speaking engagement for 2022 on December 30th was a “double” success! I conducted two back-to-back workshops with the residents at PEOPLES EL SHADDAI VILLAGE and ST. JAMES MANOR in Dallas and the feedback was that my talk was extremely informative and well-received by all in attendance. This was the perfect opportunity for the residents to gain powerful tools that will help them develop a positive mindset for the new year and beyond.

 A Ladies Affair – november 11, 2022

I had the pleasure of serving as a guest speaker at the “A Ladies Affair” event. My friend Stephanie Sterling is a phenomenal woman and each month she hosts this event and they are always chock-full of valuable insight & tools that participants can implement to improve their everyday lives. My topic was “7-Ups for a Stress-Free Holiday Season” and I also raffled 2 wonderful prizes. Extra special thanks to Stephanie, the other two speakers, the caterer and participants….the event was FABULOUS!

Mothers of preschoolers (mops) – september 21, 2022

 On Wednesday, September 21st, I had the honor of speaking to the Frisco First Baptist MOPS group and I felt like I was amongst family. I’m a former MOPS member and belonged to the St. Andrews group in Stockton, CA. I enjoyed conducting my workshop with this ENERGETIC group of 80+ women and the feedback was that my presentation was insightful and so much fun.

Wanda wins best speaker for ice breaker speech at toastmasters club – september 6, 2022

I’m truly enjoying my Toastmasters membership! On Tuesday, I delivered my ICE BREAKER speech and it was awesome (if I do say so myself). I received great feedback from my Evaluator, fellow club members and guests. For our service/outreach project this quarter, we partnered with Christ Community Connection and collected backpacks and supplies for Rainwater Elementary and other Carrollton & Farmer’s Branch schools.

the colony chamber of commerce women in business lunch – august 26, 2022

It was such a delight speaking to this group last Friday and I’m truly grateful for the invitation to be the guest speaker. My content and entertaining delivery kept everyone fully engaged and I motivated the members with new skills & crucial reminder about why positive thoughts are beneficial.

dress for success – August 20, 2022

Last Saturday, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking to the DRESS FOR SUCCESS DALLAS-FORT WORTH Board of Directors, volunteers and clients. They are a non-profit organization who helps women, or anyone who identifies as a woman, with their career progression. From business suits to resume building, how to interview and so much more! I taught fundamental tools about the benefits of positive thoughts and the synergy of the group was fantastic!

2022 Woman of the year

Every year American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) chapters emphasize the outstanding achievements of their members by electing a Woman of the Year. This award was designed so that every chapter can annually recognize a member who has made notable contributions and outstanding achievements in  their local chapter and community. The recipient must demonstrate ways in which she went above and beyond with her participation, leadership and achievement in helping her chapter row and prosper over the course of the previous year. The Lakeside Leaders Chapter named Wanda La Russa as the 2022 Woman of the Year and she will represent the chapter in a national spotlight among other members of ABWA. Being named Woman of the Year is a great honor – one that’s highly respected by ABWA members.

Lia Dute – Woman of the Year & Awards Celebration Nomination Committee Chair said:

“As a tradition every year we ask members to complete a self-survey and also to nominate someone to be our Woman of the Year for our chapter. The Woman of the Year & Awards Celebration Committee tallied up the points for each survey and there were a number of us who had high scores including Wanda. There were several of us who were nominated, but Wanda had the most nominations and so we decided to honor her our chapter’s Woman of the Year.

We appreciate Wanda for her monthly motivational tips and stepping up and serving as the Chair for our social events committee. We have truly enjoyed the various monthly events also known as FLAMINGLES. From hatchet throwing, miniature golf, musicals, chocolate tour, a Cinco de Mayo Party, target practice at the local gun range and more, she has us trying new & exciting things!

We are also grateful for Wanda being MC for our 10th Annual Trivia Nite Fundraiser. She did a fabulous job!

Congratulations Wanda La Russa our 2022 Woman of the Year!”

women of visionary (WOVI)  – August 18, 2022

It is with gratitude that I thank the WOMAN OF VISIONARY INFLUENCE PROFESSIONAL GROUP (NORTH DALLAS) for the opportunity to speak to their members. I conducted my workshop in a teleconferencing format and I provided insight about the benefits of embracing & implementing positive thoughts. Engaging my participants is of the utmost importance because it effectively promotes participation, enhances learning, and boosts enjoyment. We truly had a GREAT session!

“Let’s Chat…Positivity” workshop – July 16, 2022

I conducted my workshop “Let’s Chat…Positivity” last Saturday and it was AMAZING!!! I truly appreciate everyone who supported my event by attending, donating raffle prizes & swag bag items, shared the info on their social media platforms, prayed for me and gave me moral support. And extra special THANKS to my husband for being my BIGGEST supporter!! He was my “muscle” and carried the heavy stuff, helped set-up the room, recorded the event, took photos and assisted me behind the scenes. I am blessed beyond measure to have him as my best friend! If you weren’t able to attend the workshop, I will conduct another one in January so stay tuned for details!!!

trivia nite fundraiser – april 23, 2022

The 10th Annual Trivia Nite Fundraiser hosted by the Lakeside Leaders Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association held at  Hall Office Park in Frisco was a HUGE success! It was such an honor and a delight serving as the Master of Ceremonies for this AMAZING event. The food was DELICIOUS, raffle prizes were SPECTACULAR, the attendees were full of ENERGY,  team spirit was ABUNDANT and the room BUZZED with excitement. Fun was had by all! 

Soroptimist International of Grand Prairie – January 27, 2022

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of speaking to Soroptimist International of Grande Prairie and I felt like I felt like I was amongst family. I’m a former SI member and belonged to clubs in Patterson, CA and Dallas and I truly support the organization’s mission of empowering women & girls. During my “Let’s Chat…POSITIVITY” workshop I taught the club members, in-person and virtually, the importance of embracing and implementing positive thoughts in their everyday lives.

The Power of w.e. – October 26, 2021

 The Power of W.E. is a ladies networking group that embodies encouraging and empowering other women. I was their guest speaker for the month of October and I showed them practical ways to implement positivity into our lives. The meeting was held at AMORE PIZZA & PASTA which is an Italian Restaurant in The Colony, TX and not only did I enjoy conducting my workshop with this energetic group of women, but the food was delicious!

In My Shoes – October 21, 2021

 The mission of this organization is to: “To provide a safe, welcoming community for women who are pregnant and homeless or at risk of homelessness. We fulfill this mission through our core values of hospitality, faith and works, empowerment, wholeness, and authenticity.” It was a pleasure conducting my workshop with these expectant mothers and I gave them tools to improve their mindset. I emphasized that for their health and the health of their baby, it is important for them to take care of themselves as much as they can – physically and mentally.

Outlook positive express network of abwa -September 20, 2021

Today was my first time conducting a HYBRID workshop and it was a THRILL! A few of the chapter members joined me at On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina in-person and others participated from the comfort of their own home. I am accustomed to speaking from the stage to one audience, but today I had to constantly remind myself to pivot and talk to my participants at home through my laptop. It was a bit challenging at first, but I eventually got the hang of it. My husband Steve joined me because he is my photographer/videographer and he also had to constantly swivel the cameras to keep up with me. Nanell Mawbey, Program Director, said the following:

“Hello Wanda,

Thank you for your time and talent on behalf of OPEN ABWA.  I have received so many compliments on your presentation last evening.  I really appreciate you and Steve coming to the meeting and I hope that you enjoyed it as well.”

The answer is….YES!!! Steve and I had a delightful time and it was a pleasure speaking to this group.

Lakeside Leaders of ABWA – february 9, 2021

I always feel REGAL when speaking! Today, I was in California visiting family & friends so I conducted my presentation in a teleconferencing format (via ZOOM). I provided insight into how the chapter members could personally brand themselves and also help cultivate the ABWA brand and increase the organizations recognition.

Soroptimist South Central Region Fall Meeting – October 2, 2020

On Saturday, October 2, 2020, I was in the Oklahoma City area at the Sheraton Hotel because I was a speaker at this event. My topic was: Branding Yourself & Branding Your Club and this was my first time speaking to a LIVE audience since the Pandemic struck in March. I was SUPER excited to talk to humans face-to-face!

Charisma Chapter of abwa – April 28, 2020

As our nation faces a COVID-19 Pandemic, folks are uncertain about their health, safety and having feelings of distress related to their restricted movement. My topic was perfect because I shared insight on how to embrace positivity during this time of isolation.

OPRAH’S 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus –  February 15, 2020

Myself and 16,999 other folks were at the American Airlines Center in Dallas soaking up POWERFUL pearls of wisdom from OPRAH. Always surround yourself with motivational people!

Stand 4 Sisterhood – December 21, 2019

On this lovely Saturday afternoon, I attended and participated in the Stand 4 Sisterhood’s 3rd Birthday & Sponsor-a-bration and promoted my Inspirational Speaking business….TEATIME WITH WANDA. During the event, I was acknowledge for being a facilitator in the organization’s Diamonds in the Rough Summer Camp for girls last July 2019. I truly appreciate the support and recognition!

North Dallas Business Women Express Network of ABWA – November 8, 2019

I had the honor of speaking to this group of ladies at Rockfish Seafood & Grill in Dallas, TX. These ladies had POSITIVE energy and I enjoyed speaking to them!

Ebby Halliday Real estate – October 25, 2019  

 This morning, I conducted my Positivi-TEA workshop with the Patton William Team. Having a positive mindset definitely increases sales, listings and improves business.

Lakeside Leaders of abwa Newsletter

Extra special thank you to this chapter for featuring me in their September 2019 monthly newsletter.

Lakeside leaders of abwa -September 10, 2019

Tonight, I was the guest speaker at the monthly meeting at Mi Cocina in The Colony, TX. I am also a member of this AMAZING organization and I serve on the Hospitality Greeting Committee for this chapter. This was a FANTASTIC presentation because the ladies were fun and full of enthusiasm!

Soroptimist International of Dallas – August 6, 2019

The first club meeting of the 2019-2020 fiscal year at Cafe’ de France in Dallas, TX and I was the guest speaker. I have been a member of Soroptimist International of America since 2014 and I’m currently the President Elect of the Dallas club. The room was a buzz with excitement!

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH: Summer Camp 2019

July 24, 2019 was an EXTRA SPECIAL day for me because I conducted my very FIRST PositiviTEA workshop at the DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH: Summer Camp 2019 for Girls in Lewisville, TX. It was truly an honor & blessing to have served as an intricate part of a revolutionary week designed to empower, encourage, and enrich the girls of our future!  Photos: My husband & son attended and showed me tremendous love and support (left) and a group photo with Marguritte Johnson ~ Host, Camp Counselors & Campers (right).