California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute

What California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute does

The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI) is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2022 (EIN 88-2046704) and headquartered in Carson, CA, with a secondary site at the A C Bilbrew Library Black Resource Center in Los Angeles. The organization advances economic mobility, leadership, and civic engagement for Black women and girls across California through a multi-program portfolio organized around three pillars: Economic Mobility (SheWorks workforce development and Having Her Say research initiative), Leadership Development (Holly J. Mitchell Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute and CSUDH Leadership Certificate Program), and Power Building (Trailblazer Awards, CA Black Women's Economic Summit, Black Girl Joy Festival, Black Women's Legislative Day, and CA Black Women's Policy Summit). CABWCEI also produces proprietary research including the California Black Women's Quality of Life Survey (1,258 respondents, conducted with Evitarus), the Pay Me What I Am Worth wage report, and Disrupting Disparities (in partnership with the CA Center for Budget and Policy).

The organization has no technology-product layer; its core "products" are programs, events, research publications, and community convenings. The Museum of Black Women and Girls: The Field of Beauty and Brilliance is currently exhibiting at the A C Bilbrew Library Black Resource Center in Los Angeles through September 30, 2026, featuring 300+ honorees and oral history recording. CABWCEI is led by President & CEO Kellie Todd Griffin and operates as an independent nonprofit with no parent company, no venture or institutional equity backing, and no acquisitions or M&A activity.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of donations and grants (501(c)(3) tax-deductible contributions), tiered membership fees (free Rising Collective; paid Empowerment Collective at $10/month, $100/year, or $175/2 years), a $4.99/month Collective Voices blog subscription, merchandise sales across three branded collections (Black Girl Joy, Trailblazer, Respect My Crown) shipped nationwide at $20 flat shipping, and event revenue. Since 2022, CABWCEI reports convening 24,975 Black women and girls, training 1,435 in leadership/economic mobility/advocacy, training 2,475 middle and high school girls in financial planning, granting $109,950 to partner organizations, distributing 2,475 backpacks, and producing 7 major events. No headcount, revenue figures, or funding rounds are publicly disclosed.

Name

California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute

Legal name

California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute

Website

https://cablackwomenscollective.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2022 that advances economic mobility, leadership, and civic engagement for Black women and girls statewide through workforce development, leadership certificate programs, research, advocacy events, and a paid membership ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Carson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual, monthly, and multi-year membership subscriptions providing access to exclusive events, leadership programs, networking, and resources. Two tiers: free Rising Collective and paid Empowerment Collective.
2. Merchandise Sales: E-commerce sales of branded merchandise including apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts), accessories (mugs, bags), and stationery (journals, notebooks) across three collections: Black Girl Joy, Trailblazer Hall of Fame, and Respect My Crown.
3. Donations and Grants: Tax-deductible contributions to the 501(c)(3) organization. EIN 88-2046704. Donations accepted via PayPal.
4. Event Revenue: Revenue from events including Trailblazer Awards, CA Black Women's Economic Summit, Black Girl Joy Festival, and other programming.
5. Digital Content Subscriptions: Collective Voices blog access subscription at $4.99/month for premium content.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates programs, research, events, and membership services to advance economic mobility, leadership, and civic engagement for Black women and girls in California. Its core offerings include workforce development through SheWorks, the Holly J. Mitchell Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute, the CSUDH Leadership Certificate Program, signature events (Trailblazer Awards, CA Black Women's Economic Summit, Black Girl Joy Festival, Black Women's Legislative Day, Policy Summit, Museum of Black Women and Girls), and a tiered membership community. Revenue is generated through donations, grants, membership fees, event revenue, branded merchandise sales, and a paid blog subscription.

Product overview

The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute operates as a multi-program nonprofit organization rather than a unified software product. The organization's portfolio centers on three programmatic pillars: (1) Economic Mobility programs including SheWorks and Having Her Say that provide workforce development and policy research; (2) Leadership Development programs including the Holly J. Mitchell Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute and CSUDH Leadership Certificate Program that build leadership capacity across generations; and (3) Power Building initiatives including advocacy, the CA Black Women's Policy Summit, and Black Women's Legislative Day that strengthen civic engagement. Research products include the CA Black Women's Quality of Life Survey and Wage Reports that inform policy. Signature events include the annual Trailblazer Awards, CA Black Women's Economic Summit, Black Girl Joy Festival, and the Museum of Black Women and Girls pop-up exhibit (open through September 2026). Membership offerings include The Rising Collective (free) and The Empowerment Collective (paid) tiers providing community access, resources, and program discounts. The organization also operates three merchandise stores—Black Girl Joy, Trailblazer, and Respect My Crown—supporting economic reciprocity and funding programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SheWorks: Workforce development and career pathways program connecting Black women to sustainable careers
• Having Her Say
• Holly J. Mitchell Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute
• CSUDH Leadership Certificate Program
• The Museum of Black Women and Girls
• Trailblazer Awards
• Black Girl Joy Festival
• CA Black Women's Economic Summit
• Black Women's Legislative Day
• CA Black Women's Policy Summit
• Black Girl Joy Store
• Trailblazer Store
• Respect My Crown Store

Products and services

• SheWorks Program A workforce development initiative connecting Black women to sustainable careers through job coaching, career pathway support, and partnerships with workforce development organizations to advance economic mobility.
• Having Her Say Initiative A research platform and policy initiative that amplifies Black women's voices and experiences to inform policies strengthening family economic stability, with tools developed from conversations with Black mothers regarding maternal health.
• Holly J. Mitchell Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute A leadership development program preparing Black girls with leadership skills, civic knowledge, and mentorship to build a pipeline of future leaders.
• CSUDH Leadership Certificate Program Advanced leadership training program offered in partnership with California State University, Dominguez Hills, equipping collegiate and professional Black women with leadership skills and credentials.
• CA Black Women's Quality of Life Survey A groundbreaking research study conducted with research firm Evitarus, collecting insights from 1,258 Black women voters across California to understand their economic state, concerns, and policy attitudes.
• Pay Me What I Am Worth - CA Black Women's Wages Report A wage analysis report comparing Black women's wages to overall state wage means, breaking down demographics by race, marital status, parental status, work status, and educational attainment from 2017 to 2021.
• Disrupting Disparities: Ending the Black Women Wage Gap in California Quantitative research in partnership with the CA Center for Budget and Policy examining wage disparities between Black women and white males, including analysis of basic living necessities.
• The Museum of Black Women and Girls: The Field of Beauty and Brilliance A free community museum exhibit celebrating the stories, leadership, creativity, and contributions of Black women and girls through art, literature, history, and oral history recordings. Featured 300+ Black women and girls. Located at A.C. Bilbrew Library Black Resource Center in Los Angeles.
• Trailblazer Awards An annual awards ceremony exclusively honoring Black women who are breaking barriers and making history across California in justice, education, entertainment, innovation, and advocacy.
• CA Black Women's Economic Summit An annual event bringing together leaders and experts to advance economic progress for Black women in California through data, policy, and lived experiences.
• Black Girl Joy Festival A celebration for middle and high school Black girls featuring mentorship, education, and entertainment to uplift, inspire, and empower young Black women.
• Black Women's Legislative Day An annual event bringing Black women from across California to the State Capitol to advocate for policies, receive legislative training, and build political power.
• CA Black Women's Policy Summit A policy summit bringing together partners and stakeholders to assess how policies impact Black women and girls and generate strategic recommendations for equity.
• The Rising Collective (Free Membership) A free membership tier providing Black women with access to a supportive community, resources, mentorship guidance, forums, and helpful content for support and connection.
• The Empowerment Collective (Paid Membership) A paid membership providing professionals and leaders with deeper access, networking opportunities, exclusive content, 50% off programs, leadership certificate discounts, and member perks. Pricing options: $10/month, $100/year (2-year validity), or $175 for 2 years (4-year validity).
• Black Girl Joy Store Empowerment market featuring merchandise celebrating Black girl joy, with proceeds supporting the organization's programs and initiatives. Products include apparel, accessories, and stationery.
• Trailblazer Store A collective exchange store featuring merchandise that emphasizes community and economic reciprocity. Products include apparel, accessories, and stationery.
• Respect My Crown Store A store featuring merchandise that honors heritage and makes cause clear, part of the Crown & Cause Collective. Products include apparel, accessories, and stationery.
• Collective Voices Blog Subscription A premium digital content subscription providing access to the latest blog posts and insights on issues impacting Black women, priced at $4.99/month.
• Podcast Series A podcast featuring conversations with Black women leaders, policy discussions, and stories of empowerment across business, policy, entertainment, and beyond.

Quantifiable outcome

• 24,975 Black women and girls engaged since 2022
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• A C Bilbrew Library / LA County LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2026CABWCEI collaborated with LA County Library to create and host the Museum of Black Women and Girls: The Field of Beauty and Brilliance at the A C Bilbrew Library Black Resource Center. The exhibit runs June 22 - September 30, 2026 and includes oral history recording opportunities. The Black Resource Center, established in 1978, preserves African American history and culture.
• Trailblazer Awards Honorees NetworkminorOthers · 1 January 2025Network of 2025 Trailblazer Hall of Fame Award honorees recognized across categories including President's Award (MC Lyte), Chairperson's Award (Laura Richardson), Legacy Trailblazer Award, and regional honorees from Los Angeles, Statewide, Orange County, Inland Empire, San Diego, Central Valley, Far North, and Bay Area.
• Supervisor Holly Mitchell's Office (2nd District)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupervisor Holly Mitchell's office provided support for the Museum of Black Women and Girls exhibit. Mitchell's office has been instrumental in supporting Black women's initiatives in Los Angeles County's 2nd District.
• Evitarus (Research Firm)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCABWCEI collaborated with research firm Evitarus to conduct the first-ever California Black Women's Quality of Life Survey, collecting insights from 1,258 Black women voters across California.
• California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSUDH partnered with CABWCEI to offer a Leadership Certificate Program for collegiate and professional Black women. Additionally hosted the Black Women's Speakers Series during Women's History Month featuring leaders from business, policy, entertainment, and beyond.
• CA Center of Budget and PolicyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Disrupting Disparities: Ending the Black Women Wage Gap in California report, providing quantitative data on Black women's wages compared to white males and analyzing wage gaps related to basic living necessities.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• NAACP: Largest U.S. civil rights organization with overlapping anti-discrimination and economic-equity mission; operates at a far larger scale with national advocacy, similar in thematic scope to CABWCEI's policy work.
• National Urban League: Major civil rights and economic empowerment nonprofit with workforce development and youth leadership programs comparable to CABWCEI's SheWorks and Girls Empowerment Institute, though at broader scale.

Emerging players

• Black Futures Lab: Organization focused on political participation and policy advocacy for Black communities, with voter-research outputs (e.g., Black Census) directly analogous to CABWCEI's CA Black Women's Quality of Life Survey of 1,258 Black women voters.
• Black Mamas Matter Alliance: Advocacy and research alliance advancing maternal health for Black women, directly comparable to CABWCEI's Having Her Say initiative in mission and target population.
• Essie Justice Group: Nonprofit building power with women and girls impacted by incarceration and the criminal legal system; comparable as a Black-women-centered advocacy and leadership organization with an organizing-driven model.

Direct peers

• Black Women's Roundtable: Public policy network of Black women leaders advancing civic engagement and economic development, with comparable state-level chapters and an emphasis on policy advocacy similar to CABWCEI's Legislative Day work.
• Higher Heights for America: National organization building Black women's political power and civic engagement; closely comparable to CABWCEI's Black Women's Legislative Day and Policy Summit programming.
• National Council of Negro Women: National nonprofit dedicated to the economic, political, and social empowerment of Black women; CABWCEI operates as its California-focused state counterpart with a similar advocacy + programs + membership model.
• Black Women's Health Imperative: National nonprofit focused on health, wellness, and equity for Black women, with research, advocacy, and program delivery closely aligned to CABWCEI's Having Her Say maternal-health platform.
• Black Girls Rock!: Youth-focused nonprofit celebrating Black girls' leadership, mentorship, and joy through events and programming; directly comparable to CABWCEI's Black Girl Joy Festival and Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CABlackWomensCollective
• Instagraminstagram.com/cablackwomenscollective
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cablackwomenscollective

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute