Waikinya J.S. Clanton is a nationally recognized political strategist and advocate for racial justice. She made history as the first-ever State Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center in Mississippi, where she leads efforts to dismantle white supremacy and advance human rights. Waikinya is the founder of Black Women For Kamala, a grassroots movement of nearly 300,000 volunteers supporting Vice President Kamala Harris. Her career includes serving as Senior Advisor to the Chair of the Democratic National Committee and architecting the Seat at the Table campaign, which mobilized thousands of Black women for electoral victories. Waikinya has consulted for major corporations on diversity and equity initiatives and directed philanthropic efforts totaling over $1.5 million. Her academic credentials include a BA from Tougaloo College, an MBA, and certifications from Yale, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania. She has received numerous honors, including The Root 100, the Rosa Parks Day Rising Star Award, and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.