As Executive Director, Wendy has led the Literacy Center of West Michigan for the past 11 years. In that time the organization has grown to be the largest community-based adult literacy organization in the state of Michigan. Instructing over 1300 individuals annually, the Literacy Center works with immigrants, refugees, and native speakers of English to provide support tailored to their individual needs and priorities. A key player in workforce development, the Literacy Center also creates paths to citizenship, supports returning citizens, and partners with multiple school districts to provide a two generational approach to children’s literacy.
Creating more equitable educational opportunities has been a driving purpose in Wendy’s life. She served on the Grand Rapids Public School board for ten years in the role of president, legislative chair, secretary, and treasurer. Wendy has served on multiple community and civic boards including: the Grand Rapids Smart Zone, the Downtown Development Authority, the Committee to Honor Cesar Chavez, and the Grand Rapids Public School Foundation. She currently serves on the board of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and the University Preparatory Academy.
Wendy has a BA from Calvin University, MA Boston College, and Ph.D. from Michigan State University.