Empowering Black Women for Professional Success Through SheWorks Initiative

A New Initiative for Empowering Black Women

On February 27, 2026, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and L.A. Care Health Plan announced an important collaboration with the California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute. Together, they have introduced the SheWorks California project, a revolutionary workforce development program designed to aid Black women in Los Angeles County achieve stable, high-paying jobs.

SheWorks specifically targets underemployment and unemployment issues faced by Black women, particularly those transitioning back into the workforce after incarceration or facing significant life challenges. This five-month program offers comprehensive employment preparation training, personalized career development planning, and holistic support services to help participants break through common barriers to their professional growth.

The program kicked off in January at the L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise community resource center in Long Beach, with approximately 30 participants enrolled. Monthly classes will continue until May, with the next workshop scheduled for February 28, 2026. These sessions promise an engaging environment, focusing on exploring career paths, job applications, and mock interviews to bolster confidence and readiness.

Participants will receive training in digital skills, interview preparation, resume writing, leadership, communication skills, and financial literacy. Moreover, they will benefit from mentorship provided by Black women professionals and access to potential employer resources. The initiative also recognizes practical barriers by offering childcare and transportation stipends, including rideshare credits to ensure that participants can fully engage with the program's offerings.

One participant, Marsha Cole, shared her experience: after facing the dual hardships of losing her father and becoming unemployed, she felt overwhelmed and uncertain about her future. However, after completing the January training session, she found a renewed sense of hope and potential employment opportunities. The program not only offered professional guidance but also critical support for her logistical challenges, such as transportation.

Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of the California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute, remarked, "SheWorks is not just a pathway to employment but a powerful engine for generating limitless possibilities for Black women. We are committed to creating a platform for these women to establish meaningful careers and harness opportunities that pave the way toward dignified futures."

The urgency of such initiatives is reflected in the statistics, as over 300,000 Black women across the country have faced unemployment in recent years. This highlights the pressing need for targeted employment support structures like SheWorks.

In its inaugural cohort, the SheWorks project received more than 150 inquiries and processed 46 formal applications, all of which resulted in personal interviews. The first cohort includes individuals from various backgrounds, including those re-entering the workforce, transitioning from service industries to administrative roles, and experience-driven job seekers striving for job stability.

Beyond the initial program, participants will continue to have access to ongoing workshops, career networking webinars, and job placement support, which ensures lasting professional growth and economic uplift.

SheWorks is also collaborating with local employers in Long Beach to provide participants with entry-level job opportunities, reinforcing community-based partnerships that focus on welfare and equitable access to resources.

With 14 community resource centers operated by Blue Shield Promise and L.A. Care across Los Angeles County, a variety of fitness, nutrition, and educational services are made available for community members. These centers are foundational in supporting initiatives like SheWorks, aiming to promote health and well-being while creating safe, supportive environments for learning, engagement, and growth.

Jennifer Schirmer, Vice President of Medi-Cal Growth Business at Blue Shield Promise, stated, "By opening the doors of our Long Beach community resource center to SheWorks, we are creating more pathways for women to take charge of their health and develop their careers in their communities. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to addressing community needs and dismantling barriers to opportunity."

Charlie Robinson, Chief Health Equity Officer and Community Health Officer at L.A. Care, added that economic stability is a key driver of health. Projects like SheWorks understand how supporting women in achieving their career objectives can also strengthen family and community coherence. "The ripple effect from empowering women with the tools to build a sustainable future extends far beyond the workplace, positively impacting the well-being of the entire community," he remarked.

Looking ahead, the SheWorks initiative plans to expand its offerings later this year in Southern Los Angeles and Inglewood, enriching the community with even more specialized training and employment resources. For more information about SheWorks or to find nearby community resource centers, please visit their respective pages.