Backbone DIGITAL lEADERS is a movement conceived by unbought & unbossed Black women.
OUR MISSION
We’re spearheading a revolution at the ballot box & beyond.
Founded in the midst of historic uprisings, elections and an historic pandemic that pushed an unprecedented number of organizations to fully rely on digital mediums, Backbone Digital Leaders was founded to meet a crucial moment. Our mission is to spearhead a revolution while training the next generation in digital activism.
OUR VALUES
We believe true power is grassroots — from small-dollar donations to boots-on-the-ground community, relational and field organizing.
We believe ALL Black lives matter — including those of our LGBTQ+ community, the disabled, the formerly incarcerated, the sick and the poor.
We believe global warming is an existential threat, health care is a human right and that no human being is illegal — especially on stolen land.
We take seriously our responsibility of continuing the movement toward building the Beloved Community that our ancestors envisioned.
We believe the future belongs to those who speak up and fight for it. We train and represent bold and honest rising stars who are ready and willing to confront the status quo.
Our ExpertisE
Revolutionizing the digital landscape.
From action-oriented websites and meticulously optimized emails to pithy tweets and shareable graphics, the services and trainings we offer challenge what it means to execute an inclusive, impactful, radical digital strategy.
Training
We’re developing the next generation of diverse, cutting edge leaders.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Organic and paid social media content development and execution.
EMail MARKETING
Meticulous optimization to transform standard emails into calls to action.
ADVERTISING
Compelling content micro-targeted to meet audiences everywhere they are.
FUNDRAISING
Smart digital tactics proven to boost consistent grassroots giving.
ORGANIZING
Digital mobilization from peer-to-peer SMS to platform moderation.
OUR SHEROES
We stand on the shoulders of giants.
Black women are the backbone of our democracy. Our mission is inspired by the SHEroes whose courageous pursuits forever changed the course of history. It is in this proud tradition that we dare to reimagine what digital strategy can do to ignite or stoke a movement.
OUR FOUNDER
JESS MOORE MATTHEWS
(she/her/hers)
With more than ten years in strategic communications, Jess has a proven record in both digital organizing and digital marketing. At the core, Jess is a storyteller with a passion for social justice. Her background as an activist and advisor informs her unique leadership style of cultivating and empowering other diverse leaders to step up, speak out and claim their seat at the table.
OUR ADVISORS
BREE NEWSOME BASS
ERICA BUDDINGTON
MAYA RUPERT
STACY LYNCH
PAST WORK
While our primary focus is structural change through movement work, our experience spans multiple industries.
HIGHER ED
CAMPAIGNS/NON PROFITS
PUBLISHERS
TECH
