Unrig the Game: What Women of Color Can Teach Everyone About Winning

by Vanessa Priya Daniel

A much-needed playbook to supporting and retaining women of color in leadership roles to create lasting change in the world, from a former labor and community organizer and founder of one of the nation’s premier funders of women of color-led organizations.

In the U.S., many of the most significant social justice victories of our time have been spearheaded by women of color leaders. From the streets, to the ballot box, to elected office, no other demographic group stands up more consistently and unequivocally for human rights, democracy, and the planet. Remarkably, they’ve accomplished this despite conditions—in their fields and organizations—that make leadership uniquely treacherous for them. For women of color leaders, the game is rigged. How much more could humanity be winning if we unrigged it? What might be possible, in this clutch moment of history, with so much on the line, if movements stopped benching our best in ways that negatively impact the scoreboard for everybody?

Unrig the Game equips us to support effective women of color leaders so we can all win. A former community and union organizer who started one of the largest foundations to resource women of color-led organizing, Vanessa Priya Daniel draws on candid interviews with forty-five prominent women of color movement leaders, along with her own experience at the helm of an organization, to offer an on-the-ground perspective of the obstacles leaders face, how they navigate them, and how allies can show up. Daniel highlights the unique strengths and “superpowers” these leaders bring to the fight for social change, while debunking the myth that identity alone makes a transformative leader.

For women of color leaders, this book is a balm, a sister circle, and a master class. For everyone, it is an essential tool to realize the world we all deserve.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Audiobook, Social Justice

432 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Mandy Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Work in the nonprofit sector? You should read this.

Work in the labor movement? You should read this.

Have any sort of clout in the world? You should read this.

Want to understand the world better? You should read this book.

[Lay Tonic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly when reading this have an open mind and really think about how you are truly treated in the workplace but, not just a woman but a woman of color. It really opened my eyes to some things as far as being at a stand still in the career that I am in and how I should really be thankful to be in the position that I am in because someone could be looking at me as inspiration wondering how are they going to get out they're situation. I like this because it has you really thinking to think not just about yourself but to show the generosity to others that are looking for that come up to and needs that motivation just as much as you do. The black woman has to go through a lot as it is but, having read this book, you know what points that you need to work on and where to go from there. I did take a lot of notes from this book and I do plan on working on them in my own and hopefully be able to help someone else along the way.
Overall, I loved the book, it may have been a few points I disagreed with but, a solid 4.25 stars

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an impressive collection of lessons and knowledge from women of color leaders in organizing and nonprofits. Coming from this world, the lessons are relevant and important to me. I was a bit surprised by how much time was dedicated to addressing cancel culture and critics of how younger generations approach the work. It feels like the author had some tough experiences in her last role as a leader and has used this book to process it. Still, I think the book had valuable lessons that I marked to return to in for my career and personal life.

Thank you random house for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!

[Amy Nicefaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving and impactful book filled with real stories and accounts from WOC working for social change. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who works in philanthropy, social movements, politics, and or anyone who wants to see this world become a better place.

The work is far from being done and it would benefit us all to educate ourselves and find a path forward that is wide enough for everyone.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ended up DNFing this book. I believe this book was not meant for me, and I seemed to lose interest, putting it down for months at a time. I ended up listening to some of the audiobook once it was published to get through more of the book, but I couldn't finish. I appreciate the book's emphasis on women of color leadership in movement-building. I couldn't get into the book. It's aimed more at people already in leadership in the movement-building arena, and I am just a volunteer.

[Michael Sasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing more precious than a fierce, brilliant and loving adult committed to the liberation of all beings willing to say true things out loud (both unapologetic and inviting of principled critique).

[Daisy Auger-Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a love note to the women of color who power the movements that change lives - to help them shine even brighter - and a rallying cry to those who can help lighten the load and show up in better ways. A must read for anyone in the nonprofit space and beyond.

[Kay Mammo · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book! i think anyone who works with or knows women of color should read this but working women of color themselves should have this on their bookshelf!