Author: sHq_LoGiNz
NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — We are excited to unveil the 2026 Power100 list of Advocates. These individuals and organizations have centered their efforts on creating fair opportunities and fostering an environment where all voices are heard. They have used their influence and platforms to support balance at all levels and we deeply appreciate their courage, leadership, and dedication to reshaping our industry.
2026 Power100 Advocates include:
- Michael Billings, MB Mission
- Mandy Bynum, Independent
- Genie Cesar-Fabian, Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA)
- Chrissie Chen Pariso, MPowered Capital
- Ahtis Davis, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA)
- Morgan DeBaun, Blavity
- Mia Delano, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
- Maude Delice, Independent
- Troy Duffie, Independent
- Dale Favors, Adaptive Growth Leadership
- Melissa Fenton, Formerly of Council of Urban Professionals (cup)
- Sarah Finley, 100 Women in Finance
- Angelina Fung, Milken Institute
- William Goodloe, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity
- Robert Gordon IV, Black Venture Capital
- Shané Harris, Prudential
- Paige Hendrix Buckner, All Raise
- Anyori Hernandez, New America Alliance
- Seema Hingorani, Girls Who Invest
- Erika Irish Brown, Citi Impact Fund
- Abigail Kahn Archibald, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
- Kerry Kennedy, Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center
- Jason Lamin, Lennox Park Solutions Inc.
- Bhakti Mirchandani, Allocator Collective
- Rachel Noerdlinger, Actum Group
- Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
- Jim Park, Association of Asian American Investment Managers
- Michael A. Persaud, Council of Urban Professionals
- Carrie Pickett, Colab Connects
- Elena Piercy, Nuveen
- Robert Raben, The Raben Group
- Rob Rahbari, Allocator Collective & University of Rochester
- Eddie Ramos, Emerge9
- Veronica Reaves, Black Women in VC
- Rachel Reilly, Milken Institute
- Grace Reyes, The Investment Diversity Exchange (TIDE)
- Avery A. Robinson, Callan
- Malcolm Robinson, BLPA//Black Opus Special Situations (BOSS)
- Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network
- Marcus Shaw, AltFinance
- Jennifer Siebel Newsom, The Representation Project
- Arian Simone, Fearless Fund
- Nancy Sims, Robert Toigo Foundation
- Blair Carl Smith, Milken Institute
- Chavon Sutton, Cambridge Associates
- Sheetal Thakkar, Allocator Collective
- Miguel Thames, National Association of Securities Professionals
- Sue Toigo, Robert Toigo Foundation
- Sophia Tsai, Allocator Collective/The Wallace Foundation
- Carra Wallace, National Action Network
- Stephanie Westen, Allocator Collective
- Jabari Young, Forbes
- Shannon Zoller, Colab Connects
“The Advocates category represents the connective tissue of our industry,” said Jacob Walthour, CEO of Blueprint Capital Advisors. “These leaders have chosen to use their platforms not simply to participate in the system, but to strengthen it — to open doors, challenge outdated norms, and expand access to opportunity. The 2026 Power100 Advocates understand that long-term excellence in capital markets requires intention, accountability, and partnership. We are proud to recognize those who continue to do the work, often behind the scenes, to ensure the ecosystem works for more people.”
“Power100 Advocates are culture-shapers,” said Erica Madrid, Executive Director, Power100. “They influence policy, capital flows, networks, and narratives in ways that materially impact who gets seen, funded, and supported. This category honors individuals and organizations who consistently show up for the broader industry — building bridges, fostering alignment, and elevating voices that might otherwise be overlooked. Their leadership strengthens not only firms, but the future of our entire investment ecosystem.”
Additional Power100 categories—including Allocators, Angels, Asset Gatherers, Asset Managers, and Advisors—will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 2026 Power100 Honorees will be formally celebrated at the 3rd Annual Power100 Honoree Dinner on May 3, 2026, at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, California. The 2026 Honoree Weekend will take place May 2–4, 2026, coinciding with the week of the Milken Institute Global Conference, but organized independently by Blueprint Capital Advisors.
For more information, visit www.power100family.com
About Blueprint Capital Advisors
Blueprint Capital Advisors is an investment advisory firm focused on identifying and supporting high-performing managers across the institutional investment ecosystem. Through its Power100 platform, Blueprint highlights leaders whose work continues to influence the future of capital markets.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blueprint-capital-advisors-announces-2026-power100-advocates-honorees-302699098.html
SOURCE Blueprint Capital Advisors
NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — We are excited to unveil the 2026 Power100 list of Advocates. These individuals and organizations have centered their efforts on creating fair opportunities and fostering an environment where all voices are heard. They have used their influence and platforms to support balance at all levels and we deeply appreciate their courage, leadership, and dedication to reshaping our industry.
2026 Power100 Advocates include:
- Michael Billings, MB Mission
- Mandy Bynum, Independent
- Genie Cesar-Fabian, Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA)
- Chrissie Chen Pariso, MPowered Capital
- Ahtis Davis, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA)
- Morgan DeBaun, Blavity
- Mia Delano, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
- Maude Delice, Independent
- Troy Duffie, Independent
- Dale Favors, Adaptive Growth Leadership
- Melissa Fenton, Formerly of Council of Urban Professionals (cup)
- Sarah Finley, 100 Women in Finance
- Angelina Fung, Milken Institute
- William Goodloe, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity
- Robert Gordon IV, Black Venture Capital
- Shané Harris, Prudential
- Paige Hendrix Buckner, All Raise
- Anyori Hernandez, New America Alliance
- Seema Hingorani, Girls Who Invest
- Erika Irish Brown, Citi Impact Fund
- Abigail Kahn Archibald, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
- Kerry Kennedy, Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center
- Jason Lamin, Lennox Park Solutions Inc.
- Bhakti Mirchandani, Allocator Collective
- Rachel Noerdlinger, Actum Group
- Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
- Jim Park, Association of Asian American Investment Managers
- Michael A. Persaud, Council of Urban Professionals
- Carrie Pickett, Colab Connects
- Elena Piercy, Nuveen
- Robert Raben, The Raben Group
- Rob Rahbari, Allocator Collective & University of Rochester
- Eddie Ramos, Emerge9
- Veronica Reaves, Black Women in VC
- Rachel Reilly, Milken Institute
- Grace Reyes, The Investment Diversity Exchange (TIDE)
- Avery A. Robinson, Callan
- Malcolm Robinson, BLPA//Black Opus Special Situations (BOSS)
- Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network
- Marcus Shaw, AltFinance
- Jennifer Siebel Newsom, The Representation Project
- Arian Simone, Fearless Fund
- Nancy Sims, Robert Toigo Foundation
- Blair Carl Smith, Milken Institute
- Chavon Sutton, Cambridge Associates
- Sheetal Thakkar, Allocator Collective
- Miguel Thames, National Association of Securities Professionals
- Sue Toigo, Robert Toigo Foundation
- Sophia Tsai, Allocator Collective/The Wallace Foundation
- Carra Wallace, National Action Network
- Stephanie Westen, Allocator Collective
- Jabari Young, Forbes
- Shannon Zoller, Colab Connects
“The Advocates category represents the connective tissue of our industry,” said Jacob Walthour, CEO of Blueprint Capital Advisors. “These leaders have chosen to use their platforms not simply to participate in the system, but to strengthen it — to open doors, challenge outdated norms, and expand access to opportunity. The 2026 Power100 Advocates understand that long-term excellence in capital markets requires intention, accountability, and partnership. We are proud to recognize those who continue to do the work, often behind the scenes, to ensure the ecosystem works for more people.”
“Power100 Advocates are culture-shapers,” said Erica Madrid, Executive Director, Power100. “They influence policy, capital flows, networks, and narratives in ways that materially impact who gets seen, funded, and supported. This category honors individuals and organizations who consistently show up for the broader industry — building bridges, fostering alignment, and elevating voices that might otherwise be overlooked. Their leadership strengthens not only firms, but the future of our entire investment ecosystem.”
Additional Power100 categories—including Allocators, Angels, Asset Gatherers, Asset Managers, and Advisors—will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 2026 Power100 Honorees will be formally celebrated at the 3rd Annual Power100 Honoree Dinner on May 3, 2026, at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, California. The 2026 Honoree Weekend will take place May 2–4, 2026, coinciding with the week of the Milken Institute Global Conference, but organized independently by Blueprint Capital Advisors.
For more information, visit www.power100family.com
About Blueprint Capital Advisors
Blueprint Capital Advisors is an investment advisory firm focused on identifying and supporting high-performing managers across the institutional investment ecosystem. Through its Power100 platform, Blueprint highlights leaders whose work continues to influence the future of capital markets.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blueprint-capital-advisors-announces-2026-power100-advocates-honorees-302699098.html
SOURCE Blueprint Capital Advisors
NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — We are excited to unveil the 2026 Power100 list of Advocates. These individuals and organizations have centered their efforts on creating fair opportunities and fostering an environment where all voices are heard. They have used their influence and platforms to support balance at all levels and we deeply appreciate their courage, leadership, and dedication to reshaping our industry.
2026 Power100 Advocates include:
- Michael Billings, MB Mission
- Mandy Bynum, Independent
- Genie Cesar-Fabian, Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA)
- Chrissie Chen Pariso, MPowered Capital
- Ahtis Davis, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA)
- Morgan DeBaun, Blavity
- Mia Delano, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
- Maude Delice, Independent
- Troy Duffie, Independent
- Dale Favors, Adaptive Growth Leadership
- Melissa Fenton, Formerly of Council of Urban Professionals (cup)
- Sarah Finley, 100 Women in Finance
- Angelina Fung, Milken Institute
- William Goodloe, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity
- Robert Gordon IV, Black Venture Capital
- Shané Harris, Prudential
- Paige Hendrix Buckner, All Raise
- Anyori Hernandez, New America Alliance
- Seema Hingorani, Girls Who Invest
- Erika Irish Brown, Citi Impact Fund
- Abigail Kahn Archibald, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
- Kerry Kennedy, Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center
- Jason Lamin, Lennox Park Solutions Inc.
- Bhakti Mirchandani, Allocator Collective
- Rachel Noerdlinger, Actum Group
- Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
- Jim Park, Association of Asian American Investment Managers
- Michael A. Persaud, Council of Urban Professionals
- Carrie Pickett, Colab Connects
- Elena Piercy, Nuveen
- Robert Raben, The Raben Group
- Rob Rahbari, Allocator Collective & University of Rochester
- Eddie Ramos, Emerge9
- Veronica Reaves, Black Women in VC
- Rachel Reilly, Milken Institute
- Grace Reyes, The Investment Diversity Exchange (TIDE)
- Avery A. Robinson, Callan
- Malcolm Robinson, BLPA//Black Opus Special Situations (BOSS)
- Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network
- Marcus Shaw, AltFinance
- Jennifer Siebel Newsom, The Representation Project
- Arian Simone, Fearless Fund
- Nancy Sims, Robert Toigo Foundation
- Blair Carl Smith, Milken Institute
- Chavon Sutton, Cambridge Associates
- Sheetal Thakkar, Allocator Collective
- Miguel Thames, National Association of Securities Professionals
- Sue Toigo, Robert Toigo Foundation
- Sophia Tsai, Allocator Collective/The Wallace Foundation
- Carra Wallace, National Action Network
- Stephanie Westen, Allocator Collective
- Jabari Young, Forbes
- Shannon Zoller, Colab Connects
“The Advocates category represents the connective tissue of our industry,” said Jacob Walthour, CEO of Blueprint Capital Advisors. “These leaders have chosen to use their platforms not simply to participate in the system, but to strengthen it — to open doors, challenge outdated norms, and expand access to opportunity. The 2026 Power100 Advocates understand that long-term excellence in capital markets requires intention, accountability, and partnership. We are proud to recognize those who continue to do the work, often behind the scenes, to ensure the ecosystem works for more people.”
“Power100 Advocates are culture-shapers,” said Erica Madrid, Executive Director, Power100. “They influence policy, capital flows, networks, and narratives in ways that materially impact who gets seen, funded, and supported. This category honors individuals and organizations who consistently show up for the broader industry — building bridges, fostering alignment, and elevating voices that might otherwise be overlooked. Their leadership strengthens not only firms, but the future of our entire investment ecosystem.”
Additional Power100 categories—including Allocators, Angels, Asset Gatherers, Asset Managers, and Advisors—will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 2026 Power100 Honorees will be formally celebrated at the 3rd Annual Power100 Honoree Dinner on May 3, 2026, at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, California. The 2026 Honoree Weekend will take place May 2–4, 2026, coinciding with the week of the Milken Institute Global Conference, but organized independently by Blueprint Capital Advisors.
For more information, visit www.power100family.com
About Blueprint Capital Advisors
Blueprint Capital Advisors is an investment advisory firm focused on identifying and supporting high-performing managers across the institutional investment ecosystem. Through its Power100 platform, Blueprint highlights leaders whose work continues to influence the future of capital markets.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blueprint-capital-advisors-announces-2026-power100-advocates-honorees-302699098.html
SOURCE Blueprint Capital Advisors
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. , Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Arevon Energy, Inc., a leading American energy developer, owner, and operator, today announced the appointment of Justin Johnson, the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective February 20, 2026.
Johnson brings more than two decades of experience across renewable energy development, construction, asset management, and operations. Since the company’s inception, he has played a central role in shaping Arevon’s strategy, scaling its operating platform, and expanding its national footprint. He will continue to serve as COO while assuming the responsibilities of Interim CEO, ensuring seamless leadership and operational continuity.
“When I joined Arevon, we started from the ground up, and today, we own and operate more than 6 gigawatts of solar and energy storage projects in 18 U.S. states, supported by a team of more than 300 professionals,” said Johnson. “I’m proud of our successes and am honored to step into this role and lead the next phase of our growth. We remain dedicated to delivering safe, reliable energy solutions, accelerating the growth of our development pipeline, sustaining best-in-class operational performance, and creating long-term value for our communities, customers, partners, and investors.”
Kevin Smith resigned from his role as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 20, 2026. The Board thanks Smith for his leadership and contributions to the company.
The leadership transition does not impact Arevon’s strategy, development pipeline, financial strength, or customer commitments, and all projects, partnerships, and operations will proceed as planned. The company remains well-positioned to execute on its long-term growth objectives with the support of its experienced Executive and leadership teams and its committed investors.
About Arevon
Arevon is a U.S. energy leader committed to powering America with affordable, reliable, and secure homegrown energy. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and with a regional office in New York City, the company’s experienced and dedicated team develops, finances, builds, owns, and operates renewable energy projects nationwide. With a strong track record in utility-scale solar and energy storage, Arevon is a trusted partner to utilities and businesses seeking cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing American manufacturing and domestic energy production, the company invests in U.S. jobs, strengthens local economies, and advances the country’s energy independence.
Arevon owns and operates more than 6 gigawatts (GW) of solar and energy storage projects across 18 states, representing more than $11 billion in capital investment, and is currently constructing more than 600 megawatts (MW) of new capacity. The company also partnered with local utilities to develop and build 480 MW of solar energy, ensuring each project was successfully integrated into their communities. In the last two years, Arevon has completed $5.1 billion in project financings and closed on a $600 million corporate revolver to fund continued company growth. With a 7 GW development portfolio and continued investment in new projects, Arevon is solidifying its role as a leader in powering an American energy future. For more information, visit arevonenergy.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arevon-appoints-justin-johnson-as-interim-chief-executive-officer-302699050.html
SOURCE Arevon
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. , Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Arevon Energy, Inc., a leading American energy developer, owner, and operator, today announced the appointment of Justin Johnson, the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective February 20, 2026.
Johnson brings more than two decades of experience across renewable energy development, construction, asset management, and operations. Since the company’s inception, he has played a central role in shaping Arevon’s strategy, scaling its operating platform, and expanding its national footprint. He will continue to serve as COO while assuming the responsibilities of Interim CEO, ensuring seamless leadership and operational continuity.
“When I joined Arevon, we started from the ground up, and today, we own and operate more than 6 gigawatts of solar and energy storage projects in 18 U.S. states, supported by a team of more than 300 professionals,” said Johnson. “I’m proud of our successes and am honored to step into this role and lead the next phase of our growth. We remain dedicated to delivering safe, reliable energy solutions, accelerating the growth of our development pipeline, sustaining best-in-class operational performance, and creating long-term value for our communities, customers, partners, and investors.”
Kevin Smith resigned from his role as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 20, 2026. The Board thanks Smith for his leadership and contributions to the company.
The leadership transition does not impact Arevon’s strategy, development pipeline, financial strength, or customer commitments, and all projects, partnerships, and operations will proceed as planned. The company remains well-positioned to execute on its long-term growth objectives with the support of its experienced Executive and leadership teams and its committed investors.
About Arevon
Arevon is a U.S. energy leader committed to powering America with affordable, reliable, and secure homegrown energy. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and with a regional office in New York City, the company’s experienced and dedicated team develops, finances, builds, owns, and operates renewable energy projects nationwide. With a strong track record in utility-scale solar and energy storage, Arevon is a trusted partner to utilities and businesses seeking cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing American manufacturing and domestic energy production, the company invests in U.S. jobs, strengthens local economies, and advances the country’s energy independence.
Arevon owns and operates more than 6 gigawatts (GW) of solar and energy storage projects across 18 states, representing more than $11 billion in capital investment, and is currently constructing more than 600 megawatts (MW) of new capacity. The company also partnered with local utilities to develop and build 480 MW of solar energy, ensuring each project was successfully integrated into their communities. In the last two years, Arevon has completed $5.1 billion in project financings and closed on a $600 million corporate revolver to fund continued company growth. With a 7 GW development portfolio and continued investment in new projects, Arevon is solidifying its role as a leader in powering an American energy future. For more information, visit arevonenergy.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arevon-appoints-justin-johnson-as-interim-chief-executive-officer-302699050.html
SOURCE Arevon
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dover Fueling Solutions (“DFS”), a part of Dover (NYSE: DOV) and a leading global provider of advanced customer-focused technologies, services and solutions in the fuel and convenience retail industries, today announced the launch of the ProGauge® LR120 Radar, DFS’s latest automatic tank gauging (ATG) solution specifically designed for industrial applications.
The LR120 Radar, which is available across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), as well as South America and Latin America, offers an exceptionally accurate solution that seamlessly integrates with the ProGauge MagLink LX® console family, providing operators with increased visibility.
Packaged in an airtight PVDF enclosure for years of reliable measurement service, the LR120 Radar delivers precise level measurement at ranges up to 98.4 ft (30 meters). Its long range, narrow beam makes it best suited for tanks, wet wells with obstructions, and solid level measurement. The LR120 Radar is also approved for open air applications outside of tanks and is hazardous area-compliant for use in explosive environments containing dust.
“The ProGauge portfolio has evolved into a one-stop-shop for fuel management and is considered to be one of the leading brands for ATG solutions in the industry,” said Nuno Almeida, DFS Director, Product Management, EMEA. “By expanding our product portfolio to include accurate measurement for industrial applications, we are continuing to deliver truly global solutions that help provide operators with complete and accurate visibility into their stocks.”
The LR120 Radar is compact and easy to install, and its 2mm accuracy near zero range distance yields optimum inventory management capability for a wide range of operators.
Stefano Scatena, DFS Senior Director and General Manager, ATG & WSM, added, “Wherever our customers are in the world, whatever their needs, and whatever their forecourt set-up, the ProGauge portfolio has a solution to suit. The new LR120 Radar reflects our ability to help operators monitor and measure any liquid or solid on a site.”
About Dover Fueling Solutions:
Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS) is part of Dover Corporation and a leading provider of advanced energy dispensing equipment, electronic automation, point-of-sale and payment systems, automatic tank gauging and subscription solutions to fueling and convenience retail customers worldwide. Comprised of brands Wayne®, Tokheim®, OPW®, ProGauge™, Fairbanks®, AvaLAN Networks™, LIQAL®, Bulloch Technologies®, and SiteIQ™, DFS is dedicated to offering a broad range of solutions that power vehicles, including conventional fuel and clean energy products that support gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel and ethanol as well as LNG, H2, LPG, CNG and EV chargers. Headquartered in Austin, TX, DFS has a strong global manufacturing and technology development presence, including facilities in Brazil, Canada, China, India, Italy, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. For more information about DFS, visit www.doverfuelingsolutions.com.
About Dover:
Dover is a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider with annual revenue of over $8 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments: Engineered Products, Clean Energy & Fueling, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions and Climate & Sustainability Technologies. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 70 years, our team of approximately 24,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what’s possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under “DOV.” Additional information is available at dovercorporation.com.
Dover Fueling Solutions Contact:
Amy Cearley
(512) 484-4259
amy.cearley@doverfs.com
Dover Media Contact:
Adrian Sakowicz, VP, Communications
(630) 743-5039
asakowicz@dovercorp.com
Dover Investor Contact:
Jack Dickens, VP, Investor Relations
(630) 743-2566
jdickens@dovercorp.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dover-fueling-solutions-launches-progauge-lr120-radar-to-enhance-accuracy-and-visibility-in-industrial-applications-302698552.html
SOURCE Dover
Blue Shield Promise and L.A. Care health plans support economic mobility and professional development through new SheWorks program
LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and L.A. Care Health Plan today announced their joint collaboration with the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute to support SheWorks California, the institute’s new, transformative workforce development program helping Black women in Los Angeles County secure stable, well-paying careers.
Designed for Black women who are underemployed, unemployed or rebuilding their lives after incarceration, SheWorks provides comprehensive job readiness training, individualized career development and wraparound support services that help remove common barriers to career advancement.
This year’s program launched in January with about 30 participants at the L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center in Long Beach. Monthly sessions continue through May, including the next workshop on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring an interactive workshop focused on career exploration, job applications and role-playing for interviews.
Over the five months, participants will receive training in digital skills, interview preparation, résumé building, leadership, communication and financial literacy. They will also gain access to mentorship from Black women professionals, and connections to prospective employers.
The program also provides childcare and transportation stipends, including rideshare credits, that enable participants to fully engage in the experience.
Finding strength and support through SheWorks
For Inglewood resident Marsha Cole, the program arrived at a pivotal moment. After losing her father and her job in close succession, she said she felt overwhelmed and unsure of her path forward.
“I was always the person others relied on for solutions,” Cole said. “After my father passed, the well was empty. I realized the Marsha who once had all the answers, no longer had one for herself.”
Cole left the January session feeling renewed and hopeful — and with a potential employment referral, and timely transportation assistance after her car broke down.
From training to local jobs
“SheWorks is more than a pathway to employment — it is an engine of possibility,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, president and CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute. “We’re creating spaces where Black women can build meaningful careers, access opportunity, and lead with dignity and purpose. Rooted in community, SheWorks represents a powerful model for economic mobility, helping women move from simply surviving to truly thriving in California’s workforce.”
Todd Griffin emphasized that more than 300,000 Black women nationwide have faced job losses in recent years, underscoring the need for workforce models that directly address and support this population.
More than 150 inquiries and 46 official applications were received for the first cohort, and every applicant participated in a personal interview. The 2026 cohort represents a diverse cross section of women from Long Beach and the surrounding communities, who are returning to work after career pauses, shifting from service-based roles to administrative careers, or seeking stability after inconsistent employment despite strong talent and experience.
Throughout the program, participants are invited to join SheWorks Connect, a webinar series featuring local employers discussing job openings, apprenticeships and long-term career pathways.
After graduation, participants will continue receiving support through career webinars and job placement assistance, ensuring sustained access to resources that promote career and economic growth. SheWorks has also partnered with Long Beach-area employers to connect participants to potential entry-level opportunities.
A relationship anchored in community well‑being
Blue Shield Promise and L.A. Care operate 14 Community Resource Centers throughout Los Angeles County, offering free fitness and nutrition classes, social services and health education to members and the community. These Centers play a crucial role in programs like SheWorks, supporting community health and wellness and ensuring that women have a safe, supportive environment to learn, connect and thrive.
“By opening the doors of the L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center in Long Beach to SheWorks, we’re helping create pathways that empower women to care for their health and advance their careers right in their own neighborhoods,” said Jennifer Schirmer, vice president of Medi-Cal growth for Blue Shield Promise. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to meeting people where they are and removing barriers to opportunity.”
“Economic stability is a powerful driver of health,” said Charlie Robinson, chief health equity officer and head of community health at L.A. Care. “Programs like SheWorks recognize that supporting women’s career goals also strengthens families and neighborhoods. When women have the tools to build sustainable futures, the ripple effects extend far beyond the workplace and into the overall well-being of our communities.”
Additional SheWorks cohorts are being planned for later this year at Community Resource Centers in South Los Angeles and Inglewood.
For more information about SheWorks, click here. To find your nearest Community Resource Center, visit the website Community Resource Centers.. To learn more about Blue Shield Promise, click here.
About Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is a managed care organization, wholly owned by Blue Shield of California, offering the Managed Medi-Cal program. It is led by healthcare professionals with a “members-first” philosophy and is committed to supporting a quality network of providers and partnering with community organizations. We serve about 580,000 members across Los Angeles and San Diego counties. It was also rated 4 out of 5 in NCQA’s Medicaid Health Plan Ratings 2024. For more information about Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, please visit www.blueshieldca.com/promise. For more news about Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, please visit promisenews.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn.
About L.A. Care Health Plan
L.A. Care Health Plan is the largest health plan in Los Angeles County serving more than one of every four Angelenos. It is also the largest publicly operated plan in the country. L.A. Care offers four health coverage plans including Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Covered™, L.A. Care Medicare Plus and the PASC-SEIU Homecare Workers Health Care Plan, all dedicated to being accountable and responsive to members. As a public entity, L.A. Care’s mission is to provide access to quality health care for L.A. County’s low-income communities, and to support the safety net required to achieve that purpose. L.A. Care prioritizes quality, access and inclusion, elevating health care for all of L.A. County. For more information, follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute
The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic empowerment of Black women and girls across California. Through research, policy advocacy, and leadership development, CABWCEI works to dismantle systemic barriers and create pathways to success for Black women at all levels.
Media contacts:
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Juliane Matignas
(510) 607-2359
media@blueshieldca.com
L.A. Care Health Plan
Mayra Suarez
(408) 476-3512
MSuarez@lacare.org
California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute
Keshia Sexton
(310) 347-9165
ksexton@cablackwomenscollective.org
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/empowering-black-women-for-career-success-302698898.html
SOURCE Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
