Wendy Alterno, Esq. is the Founder and President of Legacy Pathways Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved, at-risk, and justice-involved youth with the skills, support, and opportunities needed to build successful, independent futures. She brings more than two decades of leadership experience in procurement, contract management, technology sourcing, and strategic business operations, currently serving as a Global Category Manager for Digital Workplace and Unified Communications at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Her career has included leadership roles at Bright Horizons, Arrowstreet Capital, Boston Scientific, and Suffolk University, where she developed expertise in strategic sourcing, vendor management, budget oversight, contract negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration. Based on her resume, she also holds a Juris Doctor from the Massachusetts School of Law and has earned professional procurement certifications.

Wendy founded Legacy Pathways Foundation after recognizing that many young people—particularly those involved in foster care, juvenile justice systems, and underserved communities—enter adulthood without access to the life skills, guidance, mentorship, and support networks necessary for long-term success. Throughout her professional and personal experiences, she observed that while many programs address immediate needs, there remains a significant gap in preparing young adults for independent living, career readiness, financial stability, and personal growth.

Driven by a belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of their circumstances, Wendy created Legacy Pathways to provide practical, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive programming that equips youth with the tools needed to navigate adulthood with confidence. Through the organization's signature “School of Life” curriculum, mentorship initiatives, workforce readiness programs, and transitional support services, she is committed to helping young people develop resilience, self-sufficiency, and a vision for their future.

Wendy's leadership philosophy is rooted in service, empowerment, and the belief that lasting change occurs when individuals are provided both opportunity and support. She leverages her corporate leadership experience, legal education, and passion for community impact to build partnerships, secure resources, and create sustainable programs that empower youth to break barriers, achieve their goals, and leave a positive legacy for future generations.