As a 46-year resident of Tallahassee, Wanda Hunter is committed to improving life for all, explaining simply, “I am motivated by having the opportunity to enhance the well-being and quality of life of Leon County citizens.”
But don’t let that simplicity fool you. Now as the Assistant County Administrator for Citizen Services, Wanda oversees initiatives to address homelessness, poverty, food insecurity and inequities in our community, including street outreach teams, meetings with neighborhoods experiencing food insecurity, efforts to preserve and increase access to affordable housing, and expansion of resources available through the County’s libraries to addresses many of the concerns associated with poverty, so everyone can enjoy life in Tallahassee.
Her steadfast work inspired by a simple motivation have made her a leader, mentor, and one of Tallahassee’s 25 Women You Need to Know.
A recurring theme throughout Wanda’s career and philanthropy is a commitment to diversity. As a volunteer with the Village Square of Tallahassee’s efforts in facilitating constructive conversations on race relations, socioeconomic challenges, and other critical issues within the community, she was a featured guest on the Village Square Podcast, “Equality In Life: The Role of Government,” to share her diverse perspective on the path to progress in overcoming racial inequality and the role of government in driving meaningful change.
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When presiding over the 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Award Ceremony hosted by the MLK Foundation of Florida Inc. to recognize local leaders and youth for their contributions to advancing the cause for equality of minorities, she honors her parents. “I carry lessons from my parents, Bishop and Vera Hunter, with me everyday,” she says. “They taught me the value of hard work, integrity and perseverance.”
While Wanda has committed her professional career to public service, her passion and dedication to making a lasting community impact extends well beyond her job. She is an advocate for women and has worked with local partners in identifying innovative approaches to recruit, support, and encourage women to explore skilled careers.
“Whatever I engage in, be it career, family, or helping others, my purpose is to make it better, to add value, and offer something positive that will improve conditions for others.”
Wanda strives to impact the lives of children in the community, serving as a United Way ReadingPals mentor, where she helps young children learn to read. She has been involved with the “One Voice” Initiative to provide centralized social services to improve the lives of disadvantaged youths in Leon County. She works with at-risk youth and young women in the community through community forums, church mentorships, and engagement with the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
She is inspired by those who have mentored and supported her. “Joan Heggen, the first female mayor of Tallahassee who also once served as the Assistant County Administrator, taught me how to navigate, grow and thrive in an environment that had been historically dominated by men.” She thanks Brenda Trimble, who demonstrated grace under pressure, and Curtis Corbin, her first supervisor who encouraged her to stay true to herself.
“Parwez Alam, a former County Administrator, always challenged employees to think creatively and do more than you thought you could. Our current County Administrator, Vince Long, is a daily inspiration to me.” She leans on her husband Allan, now retired from the United States Navy, for his enduring patience, love and understanding.
Wanda has committed her career to elevating the lives and opportunities of local citizens, through her commitment to building the community that she loves. “My favorite aspect of Tallahassee is the rich diversity of its culture. You can find a little taste of everything here from food to entertainment. I hope that never changes.”
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