May 2nd 2025.
Jotaka Eaddy, an award-winning strategist and founder of the impactful “Win With Black Women” campaign, has been announced as the distinguished commencement speaker for Benedict College, as stated in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. Eaddy, who has been likened to the beloved character Olivia Pope from the hit show “Scandal” by Forbes Magazine, is a highly sought-after speaker and strategist known for her innovative work in policy, technology, and culture.
Benedict’s President and CEO, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, praised Eaddy as a “changemaker” and expressed the college’s honor in having her as the keynote speaker for the 2025 commencement. She also highlighted Eaddy’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, which align perfectly with the values instilled in the graduates of Benedict College. Clark Artis believes that Eaddy’s powerful voice will inspire students to lead with purpose, courage, and impact.
Hailing from Johnsonville, South Carolina, just a couple of hours away from the HBCU campus, Eaddy has made a significant impact on some of America’s most prominent organizations through her company, Full Circle Strategies, LLC. She served as an advisor for Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network “OWN Your Vote Campaign” and played a pivotal role in launching the One Million Black Women Initiative for Goldman Sachs, resulting in a historic $1 billion investment in Black women.
Eaddy’s successful campaigns led to the creation of the #WinWithBlackWomen network in 2020, a powerful collective of Black women leaders across various industries such as business, sports, politics, and entertainment. The network united to support Vice President Kamala Harris during her 2024 presidential bid and raised close to $3 million for the Harris-Walz White House campaign. Speaking about the network’s efforts, Eaddy shared that it was a heartwarming experience, describing it as “a hug that you just did not want to let go.” She also emphasized the energy and determination of the group to create a better future for all.
Eaddy joins a prestigious list of high-profile Black celebrities and leaders who are set to speak at various colleges and universities’ commencement ceremonies in 2025. Rapper Snoop Dogg expressed his deep honor after being chosen as the speaker for USC’s Marshall School of Business, while actress Regina Hall will address her alma mater, Fordham University, and receive an honorary degree.
In addition to her remarkable achievements in the field of strategy and advocacy, Eaddy is also the author of a heartfelt thank you letter addressed to Vice President Kamala Harris, on behalf of the #WinWithBlackWomen network, for her service as the first Black and South Asian woman to hold the position of Vice President. Her inspiring words and unwavering dedication to uplifting Black women have made her a true role model and leader in the community.
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