Our Programs

CABWCEI’s programs, in partnership with Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State Fullerton, provide Black women and girls with the tools, resources, and networks to thrive. Through leadership development, advocacy, mentorship, and policy initiatives, we drive meaningful change and create pathways to success.

Holly J. Mitchell Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute

The Holly J. Mitchell Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute is a 9-month leadership academy designed to equip young Black girls with the skills, confidence, and networks to thrive in school, career, and life. Launched through a groundbreaking partnership between CABWCEI and MSMU, the program invests in the next generation of Black women leaders by combining academic excellence, community leadership, and mentorship rooted in cultural pride.

Apply Here

SheWorks California

The SheWorks California Initiative is a comprehensive

program dedicated to empowering women who are

underemployed, unemployed, or impacted by systemic challenges. By offering workforce readiness training, career pathway development, and holistic support services, the initiative aims to equip participants with the skills and resources necessary for long-term employment success and economic mobility.

By integrating targeted training with comprehensive support, the Women’s Worker Initiative strives to create pathways to sustainable employment and financial independence for women facing

employment barriers.

Register now for the new co-hort starting on Jan. 24. 2026 in Long Beach

Apply Here

Black Women’s Leadership Development Certificate Program

Black women make up just 3% of executive leadership in California’s top 100 companies—yet over 360,000 work full- or part-time jobs, often struggling to break through leadership barriers. Without mentors, sponsors, and coaching, career advancement can feel out of reach, despite the talent and ambition to lead.

The Black Women’s Leadership Development Certificate Program is designed to change that. This transformative program equips Black women who are new to leadership—or ready to step up—with the tools, strategies, and confidence to thrive. Through interactive, culturally relevant learning sessions, participants will develop essential leadership skills, gain fresh perspectives, and craft a personal leadership action plan.

This program isn’t just about leadership—it’s about owning your power, elevating your impact, and leading with authenticity.

Advancing Equity for Black Women and Girls Policy Fellowship

The CA Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute

Fellowship Program is a pioneering effort under the CA Black Women’s Think Tank at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Designed for graduate students, this fellowship equips future leaders with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful policy change for Black women and girls in California.

Focused on equity, advocacy, and systemic transformation, fellows will engage in critical policy work that shapes a more just and inclusive future. This program is more than a fellowship—it’s a movement to uplift, empower, and create lasting impact.

Leadership Academy @ Black Girl Joy Day

Sponsored by BMO US, the Leadership Academy @ Black Girl Joy Day is an empowering, one-day experience designed to equip middle and high school girls with foundational financial literacy and leadership skills.

Held during the annual Black Girl Joy Day celebration, the Academy blends interactive workshops, inspiring speakers, and peer-to-peer engagement to build confidence, spark purpose, and prepare the next generation of Black female leaders.

By centering joy as a form of resistance and empowerment, this initiative creates a supportive environment where young girls are encouraged to dream boldly, lead fearlessly, and take control of their futures. The event also includes joy sparking activities like Double Dutch, Zumba, and paint and chat activities.

Initiatives

Empowerment Convenings

Having Her Say – A series of activations that elevate the voice and image of Black women and girls.
Conversations for Black Women - A safe space to center our voices, share truths, and ignite solutions that uplift, inform, and empower Black women across California.
Economic Summit – An annual event that brings together thought leaders, changemakers, and community advocates to advance bold solutions that close the wealth gap, expand opportunities, and build economic power for Black women across California.
Policy Summit - A dynamic convening designed to elevate the policy priorities of Black women, drive legislative change, and build collective power to shape a more just and equitable California.

Black girls smiling during advocacy workshop in California ( Black Girl Joy Festival )

Leadership, Workforce & Advocacy Training

Leadership Academy @ Black Girl Joy Day – Financial and leadership training of middle and high school female students at the annual event sponsored by BMO US.
CA Black Women’s Leadership Development Certificate Program - A results-driven program designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of Black women professionals through executive training, policy education, and strategic network-building to advance their careers and build their leadership skills.
Women’s Worker Initiative - Empowers underemployed, unemployed, and system-impacted women by providing workforce readiness training, career pathway development, and holistic support to ensure long-term employment success and economic mobility.
Hon. Gwen Moore Advancing Equity and Policy Fellowship Program - Prepares emerging women leaders for impactful careers by combining equity-centered policy training, executive mentorship, and real-world leadership development.

California Black women leaders gathered for empowerment summit

Marquee Events

CA Black Women’s Trailblazer Hall of Fame Awards - Honors the extraordinary achievements of Black women leaders across California whose contributions have paved the way for progress, equity, and empowerment in their fields and communities.
CA Black Women’s Speaker’s Series - Features thought-provoking conversations with influential Black women changemakers, offering insights, inspiration, and strategies to lead, advocate, and thrive.
Statewide Sister Girl Meet-ups - Create intentional spaces for Black women across California to build community, share resources, and strengthen connections that support personal growth, leadership, and collective healing.

Advocacy & Power Building Programs

Beauty of Black Women - Campaign celebrates the strength, confidence, and diverse beauty of Black women while challenging harmful beauty standards and practices that disproportionately affect them. This powerful initiative raises awareness, uplifts authentic representation, and advocates for safer, more equitable policies in the beauty and personal care industry. Learn More
CA Black Women’s Legislative Day – Train and brings advocates, leaders, and community members together at the Capitol to engage directly with policymakers, elevate the priorities of Black women, and drive legislative change across the state.
We’ve Saved You A Seat Voter Registration Program - A statewide civic engagement initiative designed to mobilize, educate, and empower Black women to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
The Power Table Podcast - A bold and unfiltered platform where Black women leaders and influencers dive into the issues, victories, and visions shaping our communities and futures.
Protect Black women and girls - Acall-to-action campaign that champions policies, programs, and community solutions to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of Black women and girls.