Empowering Afrodescendant Women for Professional Success: A Transformative Initiative

Empowering Afrodescendant Women for Professional Success

In an inspiring move aimed at fostering economic mobility and professional development for Afro-descendant women, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and L.A. Care Health Plan have teamed up with the California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute. This collaboration introduces SheWorks California, a groundbreaking workforce development initiative designed specifically for women of African descent residing in Los Angeles County. The program focuses on assisting women who are unemployed, underemployed, or rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Overview of SheWorks California

Launched in January 2026, the SheWorks program began with approximately 30 participants at the L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center in Long Beach. This empowering program is scheduled to run until May with monthly sessions, including an interactive workshop set for Saturday, February 28, 2026, which will cover career exploration, job applications, and interview role-playing.

Participants in the SheWorks program will receive comprehensive training that encompasses essential digital skills, interview preparation, resume writing, leadership, communication, and financial education. In addition, they will have access to mentorship by professional Afro-descendant women and be connected with potential employers.

Significantly, the program also offers childcare stipends and transportation credits, allowing participants to fully engage in the experience without the burden of related costs.

Finding Strength and Support

For participants like Marsha Cole from Inglewood, SheWorks emerged as a vital source of support during a challenging period in her life. After the death of her father and losing her job, Marsha felt overwhelmed and uncertain about her future. "I was always the person others relied on for solutions," she shared. "After my father's passing, I realized I had lost my own direction." The program reignited her hope, providing her with job leads and timely transportation assistance when her car broke down.

A Bridge to Local Employment

Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of the California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute, emphasized the importance of SheWorks, stating, "SheWorks is more than a pathway to employment; it is a catalyst for possibilities. We create spaces where Afro-descendant women can build meaningful careers, access opportunities, and lead with dignity and purpose. Rooted in the community, SheWorks represents a powerful model for economic mobility, helping women transition from mere survival to truly thriving in California's workforce."

Recognizing the systemic barriers faced by over 300,000 Afro-descendant women in the country who have lost jobs in recent years, Saturday's gathering serves as a reminder of the urgent need for workforce models that address and directly support this demographic.

The program received over 150 inquiries and 46 official applications for its inaugural cohort, leading to individual interviews with each candidate. The participants for this year come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from those re-entering the workforce after breaks to those transitioning from service roles to administrative careers, all while navigating the challenges of unstable roles despite their talents and experience.

As part of the program, participants are encouraged to join SheWorks Connect, a series of employer webinars discussing job openings, learning opportunities, and long-term career pathways. Upon graduation, they will continue to receive support through career workshops and job placement assistance, ensuring sustained access to resources that promote professional and economic growth.

Community-Centric Collaboration

Blue Shield and L.A. Care operate 14 Community Resource Centers throughout Los Angeles County, providing free fitness and nutrition classes, social services, and health education to community members. These centers are crucial to initiatives like SheWorks, as they uphold the health and well-being of the community while ensuring that women have a safe and supportive environment to learn, connect, and thrive.

Jennifer Schirmer, Vice President of Medi-Cal Growth for Blue Shield Promise, remarked, "By opening the doors of the L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center in Long Beach to SheWorks, we are creating pathways that empower women to attend to their health and advance their careers within their own neighborhoods. This partnership reflects our commitment to reaching individuals in their communities and breaking down barriers to opportunity."

Charlie Robinson, Director of Health Equity and Community Health Lead for L.A. Care, added, "Economic stability is a powerful driver of health. Programs like SheWorks recognize that supporting women's career goals also strengthens families and neighborhoods. When women have the tools to build sustainable futures, the benefits extend far beyond the workplace and into the overall wellbeing of our communities."

Additional SheWorks cohorts are planned for late this year at the Community Resource Centers in South Los Angeles and Inglewood.

For more information about SheWorks, visit the official website. To locate your nearest Community Resource Center, please explore their services. For further insights about Blue Shield Promise, check out their information page.