Empowering Black Women.
Elevating Communities.
Changing the Future.
"There are over a million Black Women and Girls in CA ... representing one of the largest populations in the nation. Our power is in our collective effort. Our focus is to uplift our voices and the issues that impact our lives and our community."
- Kellie Todd Griffin, President & CEO
Our Intentional Journey Forward
Resilient. Elevate. Advocate. Collective. Healing.
Who We Are
The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute is a statewide nonprofit advancing economic mobility, leadership, and civic engagement for Black women and girls in California — through research, advocacy, and action. Grounded in data, policy, and community practice, we build lasting pathways to opportunity across education, workforce development, and public power. Because Black women and girls deserve not only to survive — but to thrive.
Our Work
Building Pathways to Financial Power for Black Women
The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute advances Black women's economic mobility through workforce development, career pathways, and lived experience research. Through SheWorks, we connect Black women to sustainable careers, while Having Her Say informs policies that strengthen family economic stability. Together with workforce partners, we create pathways for Black women to thrive and lead.
Building a Full Pipeline of Black Women Leaders — From Girls to Professionals
CABWCEI develops Black women leaders at every stage of their journey. The Holly J. Mitchell Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute prepares Black girls with leadership skills, civic knowledge, and mentorship, while the CSUDH Leadership Certificate Program equips collegiate and professional Black women with advanced leadership training. Together, these programs create a strong pipeline of Black women ready to lead, influence, and transform California.
Amplifying Black Women's Voices Where It Matters Most
The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute strengthens Black women's civic engagement, policy advocacy, and community leadership. We equip Black women and girls with the tools, networks, and opportunities to shape policy, influence decisions, and build lasting power across California.
What's Happening
Holly J. Mitchell Girls
Empowerment Leadership
Institute 2027
Applications Opening Soon
Know a Black girl in middle or high school who's ready to lead?
This is where she builds leadership skills, learns how civic decisions get made, and works with a mentor to turn her own idea into a real project.
The first class pitched their ideas, and CABWCEI is now supporting six of those projects, connecting the girls with mentors and resources to bring them to life.
Applications open soon. Tap Stay Connected below to hear first, and pass this to a parent, auntie or counselor who knows a girl who should apply.
Key Statistics & Impact
Since 2022, the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute has achieved significant milestones. As a statewide organization with a local impact, we have established a footprint throughout California.
Statewide Engagement
24975
Black women and girls convened and engaged across California
675
109950
7
2475
1435
Leadership Development
& Training
Philanthropic Impact
Celebrating Black Brilliance
Community Support & Resources
Empowering Black Women
Middle and high school girls trained in financial planning and leadership
Dollars granted to organizations across California addressing issues affecting Black women and girls
Events produced to uplift the beauty and power of Black
women and girls
Backpacks distributed to students and families
Black women trained in leadership, economic mobility, and advocacy
Special Moments
Research
Empowering Initiatives
Explore our impactful projects dedicated to the empowerment of Black women. Each initiative is designed to create positive change and provide support to Black women in various aspects of their lives.
CA Black Women's Quality of Life Survey
California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, in collaboration with its research firm Evitarus, released the first-ever California Black Women’s Quality of Life Survey. This groundbreaking study collected insights from 1,258 Black women voters across California to understand their economic state, most pressing concerns, their attitudes toward policymakers, and their experiences and issues in California.
Pay Me What I am Worth
The CA Black Women's Wages Report looks at wages for all Women in California. The report compares wages of Women and the overall state wage mean as well as break down the demographics of data of women in California by race and ethnicity, marital status, parental status, work status (full time vs part time) and educational attainment from 2017 to 2021.
Disrupting Disparities: Ending the Black Women Wage Gap in California
(in partnership with the CA Center of Budget and Policy) – Quantitative data on Black Women and Black Single Mom’s wages related to White males highlighting the wage gap and what that equates to regarding basic living necessities.
