A Memoir · Available Now
Working Class to
Breaking Glass.
One Woman’s Fight to Belong and to Lead. The newest book by Wanda J. Herndon, founder and CEO of W Communications, LLC.
The Memoir
Working Class to Breaking Glass
One Woman’s Fight to Belong and to Lead
The memoir Working Class to Breaking Glass traces the road she traveled from Flint, Michigan to the Starbucks executive team, to founding her own business, to founding W Communications, LLC, with lessons in leadership, belonging, and reinvention learned along the way. Inspiring and deeply personal, it chronicles how she defied racial barriers, economic limitations, and the odds of the 1960s and ’70s, navigating corporate politics and bias with resilience, honesty, and her signature “Wanda-isms.”
This story explores identity, mentorship, and purpose, offering practical insights and inspiration for future generations to claim their place at the table.
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Published by W Communications, LLC
Praise · What Readers & Leaders Say
Endorsements for a life... so that others could rise and fly.
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A wise, powerful memoir weaving faith and family into a rich tapestry.
Rev. Aaron Williams
University Presbyterian Church, Seattle, Washington.
Be inspired by a woman who refuses to be defined by her circumstances.
Adriane Brown
Managing Partner, Flying Fish Partners
Everyone needs a little Wanda in their lives. It works wonders for the soul.
Amy Kavanaugh Mason
Founder, Candified | Swedie Pop! | Owner, Candytopia
A compelling, highly recommended read for anyone striving for more.
Dr. Avon Lorraine Burns, EdD
Professor (Retired), Mott Community College
A testament to what it means to rise, belong, and lead against the odds.
Bernadine (Bernie) Griffin
Managing Director Emeritus, 5th Avenue Theatre
An uplifting read about rising and giving back.
Dr. Beth Weir, PhD
Author, One Move, One Mouse, One Marriage
Takes you behind the scenes into the rooms that forged a remarkable life.
Bill Berry
Executive & Artistic Director, 5th Avenue Theatre
A timely reminder that beginnings do not limit destiny.
Carmen Mayo
President, CDM Investments
A true American success story told with honesty, humility and heart.
Carolyn Corvi
Retired VP & GM, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
More than a memoir; it is a blueprint for success.
Carolyn House Stewart, Esq.
28th International President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Once I started reading, I found it difficult to put the book down. I was riveted to each page. A must-read.
Dr. Carver Clark Gayton, PhD
Author, Odyssey of a Seattle Native Son
Wanda broke glass ceilings with courage, intelligence, grace and humor.
Christine Day
Former CEO, lululemon
A saga of heroism. She is a special blessing.
Dr. Constance W. Rice
Former Chair of University of Washington’s Board of Regents and Former First Lady of Seattle.
A masterclass in resilience, vision, and ownership.
Dana Frank
Best-Selling Author, Get Up and Get On It
Quite a remarkable story. You will enjoy knowing Wanda.
Deidra Wager
Retired EVP, Starbucks
You’re going to love this book and learn a lot from Wanda.
Howard Behar
President (Retired), Starbucks Coffee Company International
A quintessentially American story. Starbucks was fortunate to have her judgment, standards and humanity.
Howard Schultz
Starbucks Coffee Company Founder and CEO
A story of shattering glass ceilings that inspires in a wonderful way.
John Oppenheimer
Founder & Chairman, Columbia Hospitality
She grew into her high school nickname, Wanda Star!
Laura C. Lippman, MD
Poet & co-author, Writing While Masked
Resilience and tenacity to overcome any obstacle in the way.
Les Biller
The Sheri & Les Biller Family Foundation
A must-read for anyone needing hope, inspiration, and good laughs.
Dr. Lynn Behar, PhD, MSW, FAOSW
Fellow, Association of Oncology Social Work
A masterclass in resilience, leadership and self-determination.
Mary Pugh
Founder, Pugh Capital Management
If you are searching for inspiration in your life or career, read this book!
Mary J. Williams
SVP, Coffee (retired), Starbucks
You’ll reach the last page and want more Wandaisms.
Pamela Sherrod Anderson
Award-winning writer-filmmaker
You don’t have to compromise your truth to make it to the top.
Ronda Williams
CEO, Brand Speaks
This is an inspirational read for women ~ every woman.
This is an educational read for men ~ for every man.
This is an educational read for men ~ for every man.
Sandy Lew Hailer
Owner, Sandylew Boutique
Wanda’s journey is both powerful and deeply relatable.
Sean G. Griffin
Professional actor & artist
A generous guide for anyone turning experience into strength and service.
Sheri Biller
The Sheri & Les Biller Family Foundation
Wanda Herndon can lead, inspire, laugh, and engage with anyone. She is fearless, passionate, and tireless.
Steve Reynolds
Chairman & CEO (Retired), Puget Sound Energy
A beautiful memoir, and a foundational American story for our times.
Vivek Varma
CEO and Vice Chairman, Schultz Family Foundation
A compelling account of Wanda’s inspirational life.
Wally Walker
Former CEO, Seattle SuperSonics
Fiercely principled, deeply human, and unapologetically authentic leadership.
Wendy Collie
CEO, Better Way Business
Swipe to explore all 30 endorsements →
Also by Wanda · Anthology
Writing While Masked
Reflections on 2020 and Beyond
Writing While Masked is a powerful collection of essays and poems by a tight-knit writers’ group reflecting on the chaotic and transformative events of 2020. Originally meeting in person, the pandemic forced them to adapt, while world events sent shockwaves across the globe.
Through personal pieces and raw emotion, the authors explore what they experienced, what they learned, and what they hope for the future. Most of all, these are words of hope.
Contributors
Mary Ann Gonzales · Tyson Greer · Wanda Herndon · Laura Celise Lippman · Jane Spalding · Suzanne Tedesko · Beth Weir
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Paperback · WSU Press / Basalt Books
Before the Boardroom · Scholarship
Early writing & research.
Long before she inhabited a corporate office, Wanda was a writer and researcher examining race, media, and education.
Published Article
1977
Beyond Race, Sex, and Social Class: Perspectives on Education
Master’s Thesis
1979