Path

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 a historic pandemic that pushed an unprecedented number of organizations to fully rely on digital mediums, Backbone Digital Leaders was created to meet a crucial moment. Our mission is to spearhead a revolution by training the next generation in digital activism.

A Black woman in the 1960s places a ballot in a ballot box as two white women watch.

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.

time

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.

Love

We take seriously our responsibility of continuing the movement toward building the Beloved Community that our ancestors envisioned.

Truth To Power

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

Training

We’re developing the next generation of diverse, cutting edge leaders.

Social

SOCIAL MEDIA

Organic and paid social media content development and execution. 

email

EMail MARKETING

Meticulous optimization to transform standard emails into calls to action.

advertising

ADVERTISING

Compelling content micro-targeted to meet audiences everywhere they are.

funds

FUNDRAISING

Smart digital tactics proven to boost consistent grassroots giving.

organizing

ORGANIZING

Digital mobilization from peer-to-peer SMS to platform moderation.

We stand on the shoulders of giants.

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OUR FOUNDER

JESS MOORE MATTHEWS

(she/her/hers)

With more than ten years in 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.

This is my headshot. I'm standing outside next to a wall at the University of Texas.

OUR ADVISORS

The headshot of Bree Newsome Bass

BREE NEWSOME BASS

The headshot of Erica Buddington

ERICA BUDDINGTON

The headshot of Maya Rupert

MAYA RUPERT

The headshot of Stacy Lynch

STACY LYNCH

PAST WORK

While our primary focus is structural change through movement work, our experience spans multiple industries.

HIGHER ED

NYU
Hampton University
Hampton University

CAMPAIGNS/NON PROFITS

When We All Vote
Warren For President
Greg for Tulsa Mayor
Asya for New Orleans School Board

PUBLISHERS

The New York Times
USA Today

TECH

Google
Coursehorse