A Hand Up. Not A Hand Out.

Francisco Mendez is the Founder and CEO of The Waystar Flagship Project, driven by a passion to support veterans and families in need. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Francisco’s journey began with his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, where he honed his sense of duty and service to others. Concurrently, he pursued his education, graduating from the State University of New York at Buffalo with dual degrees in Political Science: Public Law and International Relations, as well as a degree in Intelligence Analysis. Francisco’s commitment to aiding fellow veterans crystallized during his tenure as Assistant Manager at the Student Veteran Association (SVA), where he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by service members navigating higher education. Following his college years, Francisco leveraged his diverse skill set as a Project Manager at Gigafactory Tesla NY and later as a Project Supervisor for a third-party company, in charge of and dealing with millions of dollars worth of assets, Mr. Mendez continues to lean on his skills in the realm of management to ensure the success of any endeavor. Building upon this experience, he serves as advisor to many industry companies. Throughout his career, Francisco has been deeply involved in business development and government-focused programs, serving as a salesman and business development executive. Alongside like-minded individuals, Francisco nurtured his vision to support veterans and families, culminating in the establishment of The Waystar Flagship Project. With unwavering dedication and a wealth of experience, Francisco Mendez continues to lead WFP in its mission to provide vital assistance to those in need, providing a ‘Hand up, Not a Hand Out’

Marc Hauss brings a unique blend of experience and passion to his role as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at WFP. Graduating from SUNY Oswego in 2007 with a degree in Health Science and a minor in Health and Wellness, Marc embarked on a dynamic career journey that has spanned sales, marketing, and project management. Beyond his professional endeavors, Marc boasts an impressive 21-year career as a world-traveled professional wrestler, showcasing his determination and resilience in the face of challenges. Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Marc was drawn to WFP by its unwavering commitment to serving veterans and low-income families. With personal connections to the military through family and friends, Marc has witnessed firsthand the struggles individuals face during difficult times and the transformative impact of a helping hand. Inspired by WFP mission and goals, Marc eagerly embraced the opportunity to contribute his skills and expertise to a cause he holds dear. In his role as CMO, Marc leverages his multifaceted background to amplify WFP message and reach, ensuring that the organization’s vital services are accessible to those who need them most. With a heart for service and a dedication to making a difference, Marc Hauss exemplifies the spirit of compassion and empowerment at the heart of WFP mission.

Born in 1997, Kyla grew up moving around the Southern U.S before settling in Livingston County, joining the Army National Guard in 2014 before graduating in 2015. In 2016, she graduated from the Quartermaster School in Fort Lee, Virginia as an honor graduate, fulfilling her duties within her unit to gain the rank of Sergeant while also serving in the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, which focuses on enhancing federal, state, and local law enforcement capabilities to reduce and prevent the use of illicit substances within New York State. In 2020, after leaving the service with an honorable discharge, Kyla furthered her education at Genesee Community College and SUNY Brockport. She is currently allocating her efforts into obtaining credentials to become a School Business Official while working full time as an administrative assistant for the Monroe County School District. Kyla’s ultimate goal is to give back to the community that supported her for so many years.