Bio

Wanda Martinez-Johncox was born and raised in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. Wanda was employed at the Canandaigua Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) for almost 11 years, and was an advocate for LGBTQ* veterans during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era.

Wanda was a member of the Out Alliance's Education Team for 11 years, beginning in 2008. She also worked the LGBT Case Manager for Trillium Health.

Wanda has spent many years volunteering with homeless individuals in our community and veterans in need. After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, she founded a nonprofit organization, called Re-lief Corp to help people from all walks of life. Re-lief Corp provides donations and resources, including food, socks, jackets, personal hygiene kits, etc. Wanda’s advocacy work was included in a Changemakers Exhibition at the Rochester Museum & Science Center.

Wanda is also a member of the LGBTQ* Community Advisory Board, the Board of Directors of The Partnership of Ontario County, Inc., and the Board of Directors of the Rochester, NY, Red Cross, where she is part of the Armed Forces Committee.

Wanda is a volunteer with the Susan B. Anthony House and Museum as well as Habitat for Humanity. She was the Puerto Rico 1997 National Chess Champion, and teaches chess to veterans at Veterans Outreach. She is a Rotarian, and lives in Canandaigua, NY.