From where to go and what to wear, Wanda Mann aka The Black Dress Traveler is committed to helping all women add a dash of glamour and fun to all of their travels, near or far. "I believe that we have the power to make everyday an adventure whether we are riding the subway to work or jet-setting across the globe," says Wanda. A self-proclaimed ‘dressaholic’, Wanda always packs at least one little black dress when she travels. She owns one pair of jeans.
As the founder and editor-in-chief of www.BlackDressTraveler.com, Wanda’s travel advice has been quoted in the New York Daily News and EBONY Magazine. She is included in WE Magazine for Women's list of 101 Women Bloggers to Watch in 2011. She has also provided commentary for ABC News Now on the red carpet fashions worn at the Academy Awards. Wanda's writing has been published in Animal Fair, NY SportScene, Harlem News, Betty Confidential, and other publications. In May 2009, Wanda was the first Mistress of Ceremonies for the award-winning Authors & Inns Tour featuring celebrity chefs. In 2004, Wanda appeared as a model in an international ad campaign for the World Gold Council. For more than a decade Wanda has also been producing high profile events featuring prominent celebrities, authors, politicians, and entertainers. A native New Yorker and Manhattan resident, Wanda enjoys exploring her hometown of New York City just as much as her adventures abroad in London, Dublin, Paris, and other destinations.
Wanda also recognizes the importance of giving back to her community and has utilized her events as a means to raise money and awareness for important causes, including Dress for Success, Donors Choose and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. As The Black Dress Traveler grows, Wanda hopes to eventually raise money to support programs that provide travel opportunities for underprivileged teen girls. “I had the opportunity to spend the school year in Barcelona when I was 16 and my junior year of college in Toledo, Spain. Those experiences changed my life. Every young woman should have that opportunity.”
From information on the best restaurants, where to find the perfect little black dress, or the best destination for a getaway, Wanda aka The Black Dress Traveler is committed to sharing fun and useful information with other women that will inspire them to live life to the fullest. “We all know this journey in life is short. So why not seize those opportunities to live it up and to make a difference? And, wear a great dress!”
Wanda is a proud graduate of Phillips Academy (Massachusetts) and Pomona College (California). She is a former Board member of New York Women in Film and Television and currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Andover Bread Loaf writing program.
To contact Wanda, send an e-mail to wanda@blackdresstraveler.com.
