Empowering Black Women in Los Angeles Through Groundbreaking SheWorks Program

A New Dawn for Black Women in Los Angeles: The SheWorks Initiative

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and L.A. Care Health Plan have made significant strides towards fostering economic empowerment for Black women in Los Angeles through their newly launched SheWorks California program. Partnering with the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, SheWorks aims to provide essential workforce development support for women who have faced various barriers such as unemployment, underemployment, and the challenges of reintegrating into society after incarceration.

The Mission of SheWorks

Launched in January 2026, SheWorks serves as a transformative program designed to equip Black women with the necessary skills and support to secure stable, well-paying careers. This initiative recognizes the longstanding inequities faced by this demographic, as statistics highlight a troubling trend of job losses affecting over 300,000 Black women across the nation in recent years. This economic instability underscores the urgent need for targeted workforce development programs like SheWorks to foster sustainable career opportunities.

Program Structure and Support

Participants of the SheWorks program engage in a series of monthly training sessions, which run through May. Each session is crafted to deliver comprehensive training, covering essential skills from digital literacy to interview preparation, résumé building, financial literacy, and the effective use of communication. Additionally, the program integrates mentorship opportunities, allowing participants to connect with Black women professionals who can provide guidance and insight into navigating their careers.

Fundamental to the structure of SheWorks are the wraparound services that include childcare and transportation stipends to alleviate logistical barriers, ensuring that every woman can attend and benefit from the program without additional stress.

Real Stories of Transformation

One participant's experience exemplifies the positive impact of the program. Inglewood resident Marsha Cole faced significant personal challenges, having recently lost her job and her father simultaneously. Overwhelmed and uncertain about her future, she found hope and renewed direction at SheWorks.

Marsha heeded the call for help at the January workshop after attending a session that emphasized job applications and interview techniques. The program provided her not only with vital training but also with a transport solution when her car broke down—a testament to the program's commitment to supporting its participants through tangible means.

A Broader Impact on the Community

Kellie Todd Griffin, the president and CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, asserts that SheWorks represents more than just a job training initiative; it’s an engine of possibility for Black women. By creating spaces where they can build meaningful careers, SheWorks encourages women to thrive rather than merely survive in the workforce. The intent is clear: to bring empowerment that extends beyond just the individual, positively affecting families and communities alike.

The program is also proactive in connecting women with local employers through initiatives like SheWorks Connect, a webinar series that highlights job openings, apprenticeships, and long-term career paths. Such strategic efforts help integrate participants into the workforce, paving the way for stable future employment.

Community Resource Centers as Support Hubs

Blue Shield Promise and L.A. Care operate numerous Community Resource Centers throughout Los Angeles, aimed at enriching community welfare through services such as fitness classes, social services, and essential health education. These centers are pivotal for programs like SheWorks, providing the necessary environment for learning and fostering growth.

Jennifer Schirmer, a key player at Blue Shield Promise, expressed the mission behind this collaboration: “By opening the doors of our Community Resource Centers to SheWorks, we’re democratizing access to career opportunities right where women live.” This approach reflects a deep commitment to community well-being—a core value driving change in the lives of participants.

Looking Ahead

With the successful launch of the first cohort of SheWorks, plans are already in motion for additional cohorts later this year, including programs in South Los Angeles and Inglewood. The continuous support and commitment from Blue Shield and L.A. Care highlight an ongoing dedication to addressing the needs of Black women in the workforce. As these efforts evolve, they promise to offer more pathways for economic mobility and empower future generations of Black women.

For more details about the SheWorks program, interested individuals can reach out through their Community Resource Centers or visit the Blue Shield Promise website. Together, these initiatives offer a beacon of hope and a real chance for transformation in the professional landscape for Black women in Los Angeles.