Uplifting Black Women Elevating Voices Driving Change

The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute is a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing the lives of Black women and girls across California. Our mission is rooted in driving social and economic mobility, ensuring that Black women and girls not only survive—but thrive.

Supporting Black Women
Shaping Futures
Creating Impact

Stay Connected, Stay Engaged, Stay Impactful!

At the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, our mission is to create a space that celebrates, uplifts, and amplifies the voices of Black women across California. Through advocacy, leadership development, and strategic initiatives, we are driving change that strengthens our communities and creates opportunities for future generations

Get Connected

Join the Conversation & Take Action

✔ Engage in Meaningful Discussions – Participate in our forum, where Black women come together to share experiences, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions that matter.
✔ Shape the Future – Take part in polls and surveys that influence our advocacy work, ensuring that policies and initiatives reflect the needs and priorities of Black women.
✔ Stay Informed & Involved – Get real-time updates on events, initiatives, and opportunities to make an impact in your community.

Join Us

Our Board of Directors

A dedicated advocate for California's Black press. As an influential leader, she monitors public policies affecting the Black community in California

Regina Wilson
Chair

A healthcare leader, fundraising expert, and advocate for equitable health education and workforce diversity.

Angela Minniefield
Secretary

A dynamic leader in education, advocacy, public relations, and community empowerment, championing Black women’s leadership.

LaNiece Jones
Treasurer

A strategic leader empowering Black women, advocating for political representation, policy change, and advancing equity across California communities.

Kellie Todd Griffin
President, CEO & Board Member

Our Vision

This Is More Than a Network
It’s a Movement

Our vision is to advance the lives of Black women and girls across California and is deeply rooted in driving social and economic mobility, ensuring that Black women and girls not only survive—but thrive. Whether you’re here to learn, lead, or take action, your engagement fuels progress.

GET CONNECTED

Our Team

Event Visionary | Advocate for Black Women & Girls

Carina Crump is a powerhouse when it comes to curating spaces that uplift and celebrate Black women. With a proven track record of bringing vision to life, she’s been the force behind impactful events like the Trailblazer Hall of Fame Awards, Black Girl Joy Festival, Women’s HerStory Speakers Series, and Conversations for Black Women.

A proud graduate of Bennett College for Women, Carina holds a BS in Business Administration and brings both strategy and soul to her work. What fuels her fire? "Being a bold voice at the table for Black women and girls—amplifying our stories, our struggles, and our strength."

Through her role with the Collective Empowerment Institute, Carina is committed to inspiring women to break barriers and see themselves in a new light.

Her advice to the next generation? “Even if it scares you, do it anyway.”

President & CEO | Master Convener | Champion for Black Women’s Equity

Kellie Todd Griffin is a force. With more than 25 years of expertise spanning Public Affairs, Community Engagement, Strategy, Marketing, and Communications, she is widely recognized as a master convener—a visionary leader who mobilizes people and policy around issues that matter. As the President & CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, Griffin is on a mission to shift the narrative and outcomes for Black women and girls across California. She founded the nation’s first Black Women’s Think Tank, securing $5 million in state funding to fuel transformative policy change. Under her leadership, the Institute leads groundbreaking work, including the State of Black Women in California Reports, which serve as powerful tools for advocacy, education, and action. Kellie's impact transcends sectors—from Fortune 500 companies to international nonprofits to statewide political initiatives. Whether serving as a Strategic Advisor for economic development in Solano County or leading communications and community health efforts during the height of COVID-19, she brings a rare mix of strategic insight, heart, and hustle. She is also the founder of Crenshaw Chick, LLC, a public affairs and strategy firm, and serves on numerous boards including the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute, California Black Health Network, NAACP, and the Urban League. She currently holds a seat as a Public Works Commissioner for the City of Carson and is a former LA County Commissioner. A powerful speaker, published author (Sista Girl @ Work), and trusted thought leader, Kellie uses every platform she’s given to amplify the voices of Black women, shift power, and drive progress. With a degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a career that includes serving as Communications Director for Congressmember—and now LA Mayor—Karen Bass, she knows how to move both narratives and numbers. Above all, Kellie is a proud mother of two sons, and a living example of what it means to lead with purpose. If you’re looking to get involved, be inspired, and be part of lasting change—this is where the work begins.

EVP & CAO | Operational Strategist | Tech-Driven Leader

With 20+ years of experience across tech, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial spaces, Charles Williams oversees the systems that power California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute impact—from finance and operations to IT and people strategy.

A Marine Corps veteran and UCLA-trained executive, Charles is known for building scalable, efficient, and mission-aligned infrastructure that empowers teams to thrive.

Whether leading growth or driving innovation, Charles is the steady force behind the scenes ensuring California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute moves forward with excellence.

Public Health Advocate | Beauty Justice Leader | Champion for Equity

Dr. Astrid Williams is a trailblazing public health expert and community advocate committed to transforming the beauty industry—and beyond—through intentional, equity-centered work. With a strong background in engaging public and nonprofit organizations, she leads campaigns that create social impact, spark awareness, and push for meaningful change.

A proud Bruin, Dr. Williams earned her Bachelor of Science from UCLA and went on to receive her Master and Doctor of Public Health from Loma Linda University. Today, she also serves as faculty in higher education, inspiring the next generation of leaders through knowledge and action.

At CABWCEI, she fuses her academic and professional experience with her deep commitment to beauty justice—advocating to eliminate toxic ingredients from products marketed to Black women and spotlighting the environmental health risks that often go unseen.

Dr. Williams is passionate about creating spaces where Black women are seen, heard, and empowered to shape change.

Her advice to rising leaders is both bold and affirming: “Don’t wait for permission to lead. Take up space with authenticity and trust your brilliance.”

She lives by the mantra: “Keep showing up with intention, grace, and purpose.”

And if she could share a meal with anyone? It would be the vibrant Tracee Ellis Ross—a muse of creativity, authenticity, and unapologetic confidence.

Advisory Board

Research Advisory Board

Our Partners

Join Forces

We believe in the power of collaboration and actively seek partnerships with organizations that share our vision for empowering Black women. Together, we can make a greater impact and bring about positive change in the lives of Black women everywhere.