Jotaka Eaddy, a trailblazing social impact strategist and founder of the influential Win With Black Women (WWBW) network, was at the center of the star-studded “Unite for America” Zoom event hosted by Oprah Winfrey on Sept. 19, 2024.
The event, which was a massive show of support for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, highlighted Eaddy’s critical role in galvanizing a movement of powerful Black women to support Harris and elevate Black leadership in politics, business, and beyond.
The evening, featuring celebrities like Tracee Ellis Ross, Chris Rock, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, drew over 2 million views on YouTube and garnered airtime on CNN and MSNBC.
Yet, it was Eaddy’s behind-the-scenes work that stole the spotlight.
The Rise of Win With Black Women
Eaddy’s journey to becoming one of the most influential voices in American politics began humbly in her hometown of Johnsonville, South Carolina.
Raised in a close-knit community, Eaddy learned early on the power of collective support. When she was unable to afford attending a high school conference for aspiring lawyers, Black women in her community sold chicken dinners and baked goods to raise the funds to send her.
That experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of networks—a lesson she would carry into her career.
In 2020, Eaddy founded Win With Black Women, a grassroots movement that quickly grew into a powerhouse network.
It began with 90 Black women from a range of industries coming together to fight back against the sexist and racist attacks aimed at then-Senator Harris and other Black women in leadership roles.
From that first Zoom call, WWBW has grown into a force, using collective economic and social capital to uplift Black women in politics, business, and entertainment.
“We have always been powerful, but now we are taking center stage,” Eaddy said at the event, reflecting on how Black women have long driven change behind the scenes and are now stepping into the spotlight.
Harnessing Collective Power
Under Eaddy’s leadership, WWBW has become known for its ability to mobilize quickly and effectively. When Joe Biden announced Kamala Harris as his running mate in 2020, WWBW sprang into action, raising $1.6 million in a single Zoom call for Harris’ campaign.
Since then, the group has raised millions more for Black women candidates, including Harris in her current run for president.
Beyond politics, Eaddy’s network has flexed its influence in business, entertainment, and social justice. When Disney faced a racist backlash for casting a Black actress as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, WWBW bought out over 100 theaters to support the film’s opening weekend.
The group has also rallied behind Black female athletes and authors, helping propel them to the national stage.
WWBW’s approach, according to Eaddy, combines three key strategies: social media campaigns, open letters to policymakers, and leveraging well-connected insiders to press their case.
This three-pronged strategy proved instrumental in securing the release of WNBA player Brittney Griner from a Russian prison, as well as advocating for Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Jotaka Eaddy: A Legacy of Leadership
Eaddy’s work has earned her a reputation as a powerful force in American public life, but her path to leadership was not without challenges. After serving in key roles at the NAACP and with Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, Eaddy transitioned to Silicon Valley, where she launched Full Circle Strategies, a social impact consulting firm focused on public affairs and community engagement.
Yet, even as she excelled in her professional career, her commitment to uplifting Black women remained at the forefront of her work. Through WWBW, Eaddy has built a network that not only supports Black women but also ensures they are given a platform to lead.
At the “Unite for America” event, Winfrey praised Eaddy’s work, saying:
“I was on a lot of calls with y’all in 2020. But we ain’t never seen nothing like this before!”
For Eaddy, the night was a culmination of years of effort to bring Black women to the forefront of American leadership.
“It is an honor for all of us to usher in this moment,” she said during the event, “knowing that those who watered this mighty field are now allowing us to eat of the fruit of the trees.”
A Movement Gaining Momentum
With the 2024 election approaching, Eaddy’s work with WWBW continues to make waves. The network has raised $2.6 million so far for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign and has hosted countless influential Black women candidates, business leaders, and entertainers on its weekly Zoom calls.
As Eaddy told the crowd, “We’re seeing Black women leaning into their power—and we’re like the Avengers coming together.”
As the leader of this powerful movement, Jotaka Eaddy’s influence is poised to continue shaping the political and social landscape for years to come, ensuring that Black women have not just a seat at the table, but their own table to lead from.
