Glynda C. Carr (she/her) is a nationally recognized leader who harnesses the collective political power of Black women from the voting booth to elected office.
Glynda Carr is the co-founder, President, and CEO of Higher Heights, the political home for Black women, where Black women from all walks of life come to be informed, engaged, and take action. Under her visionary leadership, Higher Heights has become a transformative force, building networks and fostering community to amplify Black women’s voices in political arenas.
Since co-founding Higher Heights in 2011 with Kimberly Peeler-Allen, Glynda has spearheaded initiatives like the #BlackWomenLead and #BlackWomenVote movements, which have empowered Black women and created opportunities for Black women to be civically engaged. Additionally, she has played an integral role in increasing Black women’s representation in Congress and statewide offices, contributing to milestone moments such as electing the first Black woman to the U.S. Senate in over 20 years, helping send 11 Black women to the U.S. Congress, the election of New York’s first Black woman Attorney General and supporting efforts to confirm Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. Her leadership has also bolstered Kamala Harris’ historic path to becoming the first Black woman Vice President of the United States.
Gynda is a highly sought-after political analyst, providing critical insight on Black women’s voting power and Black women running for office. She has contributed to publications such as ABC News, MSNBC, The New York Times, USA Today, The Grio, The Root, and HuffPost, where she provides commentary on political trends and electoral impact. Carr’s groundbreaking work has been recognized by numerous outlets, including Essence’s Woke 100 list.
Beyond her work with Higher Heights, Glynda serves as a board member for the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund and as an advisory member for the social impact agency, PicMotion. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and The Links Incorporated, reflecting her lifelong commitment to civic engagement and social justice. Her deep roots in community activism began during her tenure as Chief of Staff for New York State Senator Kevin Parker, where she developed policy initiatives focused on youth and economic development. Carr is also a proud graduate of the University of Hartford.
Glynda continues to lead with the mission of empowering a million Black women and their allies to drive forward the future of American democracy, creating spaces where they can vote, run, win, and lead.
Glynda’s personal philosophy of leadership is grounded in resilience and innovation. With each milestone, she emphasizes the importance of recalibrating and seizing opportunities from challenges. She believes in the power of networks, partnerships, and a team-oriented approach, all of which drive Higher Heights’ growth and success in expanding the political landscape for Black women.