(Tech Zone Daily) We’ve always known that when Black women work, our communities rise. This isn’t just a saying; it’s a truth woven into the fabric of our history. Yet, recent national trends reveal a disturbing reality. Across the country, Black women are facing disproportionate job losses, pushing them out of the workforce at alarming rates. This isn’t a simple economic downturn—it is the result of deep-seated systemic inequities that have always placed an unequal burden on our shoulders. It is a crisis that demands an immediate, targeted, and powerful response. That response is She Works California (#SheWorksCA).
At the CA Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, we refuse to stand by while the economic security of our sisters is dismantled. We are proud to introduce #SheWorksCA, a transformative program launching in January 2026, designed specifically by and for Black women in Los Angeles County. This is more than a program; it’s a movement to reclaim our economic power and build a future where every Black woman has the opportunity not just to survive, but to thrive.
The Unspoken Reality for Black Women in the Workforce
The data paint a stark picture. While headlines may speak of job growth, they often mask the fact that Black women are frequently the first to be let go during economic instability and the last to be rehired. We are overrepresented in sectors vulnerable to disruption and underrepresented in roles with stability and high growth potential.
But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. They don’t speak of the brilliant woman juggling childcare with no support, forced to turn down a promotion. They don’t capture the experience of the talented professional whose resume is overlooked time and again due to unconscious bias. They don’t show the weight of being the primary breadwinner in a household while navigating a job market that wasn’t built for you to succeed.
These are the lived experiences that form the foundation of #SheWorksCA. We have listened to the stories of Black women across California – the single mothers, the system-involved, the underemployed, and those who have been pushed out entirely. We heard their calls for practical skills, for genuine support, and for a community that understands their journey.
Building a Solution from Lived Experience
#SheWorksCA is not another one-size-fits-all training program. It is a comprehensive ecosystem of support, meticulously designed to address the specific barriers Black women face. Our approach is holistic, recognizing that career success is tied to personal well-being and community strength.
Our program is built on three core pillars:
- Skills and Confidence to Compete
We provide hands-on training in high-demand fields, ensuring our participants are equipped with the technical skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow. But we go further. Our curriculum includes workshops on salary negotiation, professional communication, and personal branding. We work to rebuild the confidence that is so often eroded by systemic barriers and repeated setbacks. We empower our participants to walk into any room knowing their value and ready to claim their seat at the table.
2. Career Support That Opens Doors
A new skill set is only as powerful as the opportunity to use it. #SheWorksCA connects participants with a robust network of mentors, advocates, and employers who are committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide personalized career counseling, resume-building assistance, and interview preparation. Our goal is to bridge the gap between being qualified and getting hired, creating tangible pathways to meaningful, long-term employment. We are creating a pipeline of talent that employers can no longer ignore.
3. A Sisterhood of Unwavering Support
No one should have to walk this path alone. #SheWorksCA fosters a powerful community where Black women can connect, share their experiences, and uplift one another. This network provides the emotional and mental support crucial for navigating the challenges of a career transition. It’s a space of understanding, encouragement, and shared strength. This sisterhood is the heart of our program, ensuring that every woman feels seen, heard, and supported throughout her journey.
A Collective Effort for a Stronger Community
This critical work is not something we can do alone. The launch of #SheWorks has been made possible through powerful partnerships, including partial funding from the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. Their commitment demonstrates a shared understanding that investing in Black women is an investment in the economic health of our entire region.
Now, we are calling on you to join us.
The success of #SheWorksCA and the futures of the women we serve depend on a collective effort. Whether you are a Black woman ready to transform your career, a business leader dedicated to building an equitable workforce, or a community member who believes in our mission, there is a place for you in this movement.
When we empower a Black woman, we are not just changing one life. We are strengthening a family. We are stabilizing a community. We are building a more just and prosperous future for all. The setbacks we have faced will not define us. Instead, they will be the foundation for our collective comeback.
Source: CA Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute
