Reflections from the 85th Florida State NAACP Conference

On September 19, 2026, I had the opportunity to attend the 85th Annual Florida State Conference of the NAACP in Orlando. The conference brought together NAACP members and leaders from across Florida for education, fellowship, leadership development and conversations about strengthening our work in our communities.

One of the sessions that especially caught my attention was Women in the NAACP (WIN). As I listened and learned more about the program, I found myself thinking about the opportunities it could create for women right here in West Volusia.

What Is WIN?

Women in the NAACP is designed to strengthen the leadership role of women within the NAACP and the broader community. The national program encourages leadership development, advocacy, networking, and activities that support women, children, and families.

One of my biggest takeaways from the conference was realizing that the West Volusia Branch does not currently have an active WIN committee. That presents an opportunity for us to explore what a local WIN program could look like and how it could complement the important work already being done by our branch.

Building Connections and Community

WIN is about much more than meetings. It creates opportunities for women of different ages and backgrounds to come together, build relationships and learn from one another.

Mentorship is an important component. There is tremendous value in connecting women who have experience and knowledge with women who are just beginning their leadership journeys. These relationships can help build confidence, encourage personal growth and strengthen our collective impact.

WIN also provides opportunities for networking and developing professional, personal, and financial connections. In a community filled with talented women, creating intentional opportunities to connect can open doors to collaboration, business relationships, and new possibilities.

And sometimes, community simply means having a place to relax, laugh, and enjoy one another’s company.

Creating a Safe Space

Another takeaway that resonated with me was the importance of creating a space where women can voice concerns, share experiences, and be heard.

Our lives can be demanding, and sometimes we need a supportive environment where we can talk openly, listen to one another, and simply know that we are not alone. WIN provides an opportunity to build that kind of community while remaining connected to the mission and work of the NAACP.

The program also recognizes the importance of women and youth socialization, creating opportunities for intergenerational relationships and connections.

Looking Toward the Future

There are also some exciting ideas on the horizon. One initiative being developed is a commemorative historical cookbook, creating an opportunity to preserve stories, traditions, and memories while bringing people together around food and fellowship.

A program is also being developed for March, which is Women’s History Month. This could provide an opportunity for women across the organization and community to come together, celebrate accomplishments, and highlight the contributions women continue to make.

For the West Volusia Branch, establishing an active WIN committee would require formal action and ratification by our Executive Leadership. The information shared at the conference gives us a starting point for that conversation. WIN membership is currently listed at $10, with participation connected to active NAACP membership and subject to the Association’s governance structure.

Bringing the Inspiration Home

I left the Florida State Conference reminded that some of our greatest resources are already within our NAACP family — our people, our experiences, our relationships, and our willingness to invest in one another.

I hope we will continue the conversation about bringing WIN to the West Volusia Branch and explore how we can create opportunities for women and young people to connect, grow, mentor, network, and support one another.

The strength of our organization has always been rooted in people coming together around a shared purpose. WIN offers another opportunity to do just that — building community, developing leaders, and creating space for women to thrive.

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Stephanie Eddings serves as Assistant Secretary to the NAACP West Volusia Branch.