Empowering Black Women: A Pathway to Career Success Through SheWorks Program

On February 27, 2026, in Long Beach, California, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and L.A. Care Health Plan unveiled the SheWorks program, an initiative designed to enhance economic mobility and foster professional development for Black women in Los Angeles County. Collaborating with the California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute, this program aims to support participants through focused employment training, personalized career planning, and comprehensive assistance services.

SheWorks specifically caters to Black women facing various career challenges—be it unemployment, job stagnation, or a desire for a fresh start. The program is set against the backdrop of a concerning statistic: over 300,000 Black women have lost jobs in the United States in recent years, highlighting the need for targeted workforce development initiatives.

One of the first SheWorks sessions kicked off this January, drawing approximately 30 participants to the L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center. Scheduled workshops occur monthly through May, with the next event on February 28, 2026, featuring interactive sessions focused on career exploration, writing resumes and cover letters, and practicing interview techniques through role-playing.

Throughout the five-month program, participants will receive training covering vital areas such as digital skills, interview techniques, resume building, leadership development, communication, and financial literacy. They will also benefit from mentorship by professional Black women and have the opportunity to connect with potential employers. To ensure that participants can commit fully without financial burdens, the program offers childcare stipends and transportation assistance, including rideshare credits.

Participants like Marsha Cole from Inglewood find the program timely and necessary. After experiencing the loss of her father and facing unemployment, Cole felt lost. She stated, "I've always been the reliable support for those around me, and after my father's passing, I felt utterly empty. I discovered that the Marsha, who had everything together, was now paralyzed when it came to tackling my own concerns." However, after completing the January classes, Cole felt rejuvenated and hopeful, securing job referrals and timely transportation assistance when her vehicle broke down.

Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of the California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute, explained, "SheWorks is not merely a path to employment; it inspires limitless possibilities. We are striving to create a space where Black women can develop meaningful careers and gain opportunities, leading with dignity and purpose. SheWorks is rooted in the community, creating a robust model of economic mobility, helping women transition from mere survival in the California workforce to truly thriving."

The initiative’s first cohort received over 150 inquiries and 46 formal applications, with each applicant undergoing personal interviews. The 2026 participants hail from Long Beach and neighboring communities, boasting diverse backgrounds. Some are re-entering the workforce after career hiatuses, others transitioning from service industries to administrative roles, while some highly skilled individuals seek secure and stable employment opportunities as they navigate job insecurity.

During the program, students will also be invited to participate in the SheWorks Connect webinar series, where local employers will share job openings, apprenticeship programs, and long-term career pathways. Even after graduation, alumni will continue to benefit from ongoing professional webinars and job matching support, fueling their career and economic growth.

Furthermore, SheWorks has established partnerships with employers in the Long Beach area to assist graduates in finding suitable entry-level positions. Blue Shield Promise and L.A. Care operate 14 community resource centers across Los Angeles County, providing free fitness and nutrition classes, social services, and health education to members and residents. These centers play a crucial role in programs like SheWorks, promoting community health and welfare while providing women a supportive and welcoming environment to learn, connect, and thrive.

Jennifer Schirmer, Blue Shield Promise’s Vice President of Medi-Cal Growth, noted, "By utilizing the community resource center in Long Beach to host the SheWorks program, our aim is to unlock more opportunities for women to not only protect their health but also advance their careers in familiar surroundings. This collaboration embodies our people-first philosophy, serving the community and striving to eliminate barriers to opportunity."

Charlie Robinson, L.A. Care’s Director of Health Equity and Community Health, remarked, "Economic stability significantly promotes health. Programs like SheWorks recognize that supporting women to reach their professional goals also strengthens families and neighborhoods. When women gain the resources and skills to create sustainable futures, their impact will far exceed the workplace and enhance the overall well-being of our communities."

Plans are in place for future SheWorks cohorts to commence later this year at community resource centers in South Los Angeles and Inglewood. For more information about SheWorks, visit their website or look for your nearest community resource center. To learn more about Blue Shield Promise, please visit their site.