Wanda Yvette Sykes, born on March 7, 1964, in Portsmouth, Virginia, is an American stand-up comedian, actress, writer, and producer. She grew up in Maryland, where her mother, Marion Louise (née Peoples), worked as a banker, and her father, Harry Ellsworth Sykes, was a U.S. Army colonel.

She attended Hampton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. After college, she worked as a contracting specialist at the National Security Agency for five years before pursuing a career in comedy.

Her comedy career began when she performed at a Coors Light Super Talent Showcase in Washington, D.C. She gained recognition for her work as a writer on "The Chris Rock Show," for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1999. She also appeared in films such as "Pootie Tang" (2001), "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" (2000), and "Monster-in-Law" (2005).

She is known for her sharp wit and humor, and she has released several comedy specials, including "Wanda Sykes: Sick & Tired" (2006) and "I'ma Be Me" (2010).

She married Alex Niedbalski in 2008, and they have two children together. Wanda has also been involved in activism and philanthropy, supporting organizations such as GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign. Her career is marked by her fearless approach to comedy and her dedication to using her platform to address social issues.