059 | Black Moms and Community Building: Strength in Numbers w/ Jetaun Woodley

Hey, friend. Hello, Change Makers. In the words of Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown—Hey, Black girl.

We often say it takes a village, but let’s be clear—villages don’t build themselves. They’re shaped, sustained, and often revived by Black mothers who know what it means to care, connect, and carry more than their share.

Today’s guest, Jetaun Woodley, didn’t just recognize the gap—she built something from it. As a veteran communications strategist and Senior Director at Planned Parenthood, Jetaun has spent her career making sure messages that matter reach the right people. But it’s her work outside the boardroom that’s building legacy: creating H.U. Mommies, a thriving community of over 800 Hamptonian mothers who show up for one another, online and in real life.

In this episode, we’re unpacking how Black motherhood is often the foundation of community organizing, mutual care, and everyday advocacy. From navigating health care systems and education challenges to disaster relief and doula recommendations, these mothers are doing far more than sharing parenting tips—they're reshaping what support looks like.

Jetaun joins Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown and me for a conversation that’s both grounding and galvanizing. We talk about the power of peer support, the courage it takes to create a space when one doesn’t exist, and what it looks like to protect and evolve a community you’ve built—especially when the work is personal.

If you’ve ever questioned whether your care counts or whether creating something small could really matter, this conversation is your reminder: it already does.

Listen now and be sure to grab the National Black Girl Month™ Toolkit for more ways to connect at nationalblackgirlmonth.com. To our Hampton fam—we see you. And if you're a mama looking for your people, you just might find them in H.U. Mommies.

Connect with Jetaun Woodly on Instagram

Jetaun Woodly is an award winning public relations and brand communications strategist with 20 years of experience. She has an unwavering passion and focus on working with individuals and companies to translate business goals and objectives into strategic communications plans and deliverables. Jetaun started her career as a public relations coordinator for Novartis Pharmaceuticals’ philanthropy and community development division. She spent many years working in healthcare managing public relations for brands ranging from prescription drugs and FDA approvals, to eye care and over-the-counter products before moving to the nonprofit sector. Currently, Jetaun serves as Senior Director of Brand Strategy & Projects at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, a reproductive health care nonprofit organization. Prior to joining PPFA, Jetaun served as Director of Network Marketing & Communications for National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children, a non-profit organization that supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive. Following the birth of her son in 2015, Jetaun started HU Mommies Group - a support group for Hampton University alumnae. The goal of the group is to share advice, empower Black women, and provide a listening ear as Hamptonians embrace and embark on their motherhood journey. With more than 800 members, the group has planned a number of volunteer efforts across the country, vision board meetups, kid-friendly outings, tailgates at homecoming and a host of other activities. For example, when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017, Jetaun coordinated a group donation to local organizations that support mothers and children. In 2019, the group collectively donated to Hampton University’s marching band, and sent care packages to current students. In an effort to provide unique learning experiences for the children of alumnae during the nationwide shelter-in-place (COVID19), Jetaun created virtual learning classes on a variety of subjects. Jetaun was featured on Essence Magazine Online for her work with the group. In 2020, Jetaun was admitted into Hampton University’s Forty Under 40 Alumni Recognition Society. Jetaun served as a volunteer for the I Have a Dream Foundation - a mentor program in partnership with Ebenezer Baptist Church and St. Luke’s Church in the heart of Atlanta. She is currently a board member of Atlanta Birth Center, a birth center dedicated to empowering families and providing compassionate, individualized birth experiences. A native of New Jersey, Jetaun received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications in 2004. While at Hampton, Jetaun was involved in Student Union Board and served as historian for the National Council of Negro W