A new report released today by Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) and Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA-TILE), “Pathways and Priorities in California’s Healthcare Workforce: Insights from Black Women and Latinas,” draws on the experiences of more than 800 Black women and Latinas across California.
Despite representing a significant share of the population, Black women and Latinas remain markedly underrepresented in healthcare professions—holding under 16 percent of key roles depending on the field. The report examines barriers to entry, advancement, and leadership in healthcare careers, while outlining actionable solutions to strengthen and sustain California’s healthcare workforce. Building on previous research on mental and maternal healthcare access for Black women and Latinas, HOPE and BWOPA-TILE continue to advance efforts that expand opportunity for all and improve quality of life, starting with healthcare.
California faces a growing healthcare workforce shortage, reflecting a broader national challenge. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects the United States could face a shortage of more than 85,000 physicians by 2036.
Within this context, Black women and Latinas remain dramatically underrepresented across the healthcare workforce pipeline. Latinos make up 40 percent of California’s population but hold just 10–16 percent of key healthcare roles, while Black Californians, 5.3 percent of the population, occupy 4 percent of midwifery roles and 4 percent of physician positions.
Rising education costs, student debt, limited program access, scarce mentorship, and caregiving responsibilities create persistent barriers. Expanding opportunities for these professionals strengthens their career pathways, helps close critical workforce gaps, and improves health outcomes for communities across California.
“California faces a pivotal moment as healthcare shortages intensify and demand grows. This research elevates the voices of Black women and Latinas who want to serve in essential roles,” said Helen Iris Torres, CEO of HOPE. “By following their insights and acting on their solutions, we can strengthen the workforce and improve health across our state.”
The report identifies the following key findings:
• Financial pressures limit career advancement: Nearly all respondents cited the rising cost of living (98 percent) and housing affordability (95 percent) as major obstacles. Four in ten reported that reductions in financial aid or recent job loss (41 percent) negatively impacted their career pursuits.
• Mentorship gaps impede workforce entry: Over half (56 percent) reported being discouraged from pursuing a career by family, teachers, or counselors, and only 49 percent received encouragement to pursue healthcare professions.
• Healthcare careers are valued yet challenging: While 80 percent consider healthcare jobs highly important to their communities and 85 percent agree that pursuing a healthcare career is a solid and stable career pathway, 69 percent describe healthcare careers as very stressful and emotionally taxing.
• Practical solutions are clear: Respondents highlighted the need for hands-on learning, flexible class and internship schedules, and financial support that covers childcare and transportation.
• Pipeline priorities are clearly defined: Respondents identified top strategies for strengthening the pathway of Black women and Latinas into healthcare careers, including expanding financial aid and loan forgiveness, increasing affordable transfer pathways and health degree programs, improving workplace conditions and supports, expanding early STEM and health exposure, and increasing paid healthcare internships.
“This research makes clear that Black women and Latinas see healthcare careers as meaningful pathways to serve their communities and achieve economic mobility — yet the systems designed to support them are not keeping pace,” shared LaNiece Jones, state executive director of BWOPA-TILE. “Removing systemic economic barriers, expanding accessible training pathways, and strengthening workplace supports are essential to closing representation gaps. When we invest in their success, we strengthen families, communities, and California’s healthcare system as a whole.”