Welcome Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers to the Collective

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, CA — The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers as its new Senior Vice President of Research and Programs. Dr. Rogers brings a distinguished record of leadership, scholarly excellence, and strategic vision to the Institute’s mission of advancing equity, empowerment, and systemic change for Black women and girls across California.

A nationally recognized scholar and practitioner, Dr. Rogers joins CABWCEI with deep expertise in research, program development, and policy impact. She has spent her career elevating data-driven strategies that address structural inequities and expand economic, civic, and social opportunities for historically marginalized communities. Her leadership is grounded in a commitment to intersectional empowerment, ensuring that research and programming reflect the lived experiences of Black women and girls.

In her role as Senior Vice President of Research and Programs, Dr. Rogers will oversee the Institute’s research portfolio, strengthen evidence-based initiatives, and expand programmatic impact statewide. She will lead cross-sector partnerships, drive strategic learning and evaluation, and elevate the Institute’s policy research to inform action at every level of government and community engagement.

“Dr. Rhianna Rogers embodies the innovative leadership and analytical rigor that will propel our work forward,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of CABWCEI. “Her vision for transformative research and community-centered programming aligns with our core values and strengthens our capacity to drive measurable and sustainable outcomes for Black women and girls throughout California.”

Dr. Rogers’s career is marked by high-impact roles in the federal government, academia, and nonprofit research organizations. As an award-winning international scholar, she has pioneered the use of "cultural intelligence" to dismantle systemic barriers. Her collaborative approach has catalyzed meaningful change across education, economic inclusion, and civic participation, making her a formidable addition to the CABWCEI executive team.

“In this pivotal moment for our state and nation, data must serve as a catalyst for action rather than just a record of disparity,” said Dr. Rogers. “I am honored to join CABWCEI to help bridge the gap between rigorous research and the lived realities of Black women. By centering our voices in the evidence-gathering process, we aren't just identifying problems—we are architecting the solutions that will define our collective future.”

Dr. Rogers’s appointment marks a significant step in CABWCEI’s ongoing commitment to thought leadership and impactful programming that uplifts Black women and girls as agents of change.