Wanda Ortiz first learned to play the bass guitar at the age of nine, when the elementary school she attended had a music program that enabled students to sign up and choose an instrument.

She continued playing bass throughout her school years, eventually earning a B.Mus degree from the University of California, Irvine.

[1][2] Before joining The Iron Maidens, Ortiz was the bassist of the band Rotten Rod & The Warheads from 1997 to 2002 and Heartache City from 1999 to 2001.

[4] Aside from Steve Harris, Ortiz cites Geddy Lee and Chris Squire among her influences.

Her favorite Iron Maiden songs are "Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)", "Phantom of the Opera", "Powerslave" and "Rime of the Ancient Mariner".