Giving, helping, encouraging, and empowering other women at a time when our community was facing such devastation (the pandemic) became my primary focus.
Diane Rogers, Founder & Executive Director
Our Story
Our social networks emerged out of a time characterized by significant separation and heightened anxiety, both, throughout the world, as well as right on our front doorsteps. The Covid-19 pandemic fostered an environment where living in a state of fear, anxiety, and isolation had become commonplace.
The societal death toll was on the rise, social distancing was considered the norm, and a strong NEED for safe spaces was reverberating so fiercely throughout our local communities, it could no longer be ignored. Personal support systems and a concerted effort for connectivity emerged as much needed solutions...especially for women aged 45 and older.
It was from this place and time that the social clubs Inland Empire Preferred (IEP), Elite Sisters of Los Angeles (ESLA) and He/She's Me were conceived, and widely received by so many.
In just a few years, the positive impact that the three Clubs have had on its Members, as well as local businesses, has resulted in a wonderful synergy that brings us all together in the spirit of community, collectively...and regardless of which club we originally joined. As a result, the clubs' Organizer and Leadership Team rose to the challenge to keep it all going and growing; thus, the We, Ourselves Empowered Collective was brought to life!
67% increase in loneliness
Reports indicate that more than half of older adults (56%) felt isolated in June 2020, a significant rise from 27% in 2018. Older women, particularly those aged 65 to 74, experienced a 67% increase in loneliness during the pandemic.*
*SOURCE(S):
Healthy Aging Poll, News Medical
Only 16% of women aged 40-65 have ever received financial education
A 2022 survey* revealed that only 16% of women aged 40 to 65 have ever received financial education. This percentage drops to between 8% and 10% among African American, Native American, and Asian American women.
The same survey found that nearly 40% of respondents never invested in retirement accounts, and 60% had never consulted a financial professional. Notably, over 70% expressed interest in receiving financial education, with demand especially high among Hispanic/Latina (93%), Black (85%), and Asian American (80%) women.
*SOURCE(S):
25% global increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), loneliness and isolation are indeed health risks, attributing up to 30% increase in the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease; up to 50% increase in risk in developing Dementia; and a 25% increase in risk of early death.
"In the initial year of the pandemic, there was a 25% global increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression. Women have been disproportionately affected, with 36% reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in February 2023, compared to 28% of men."*
*SOURCE(S):
Our Mission
Our mission is to offer physical support, educational resources, networking, and social engagement opportunities for women aged 45 and older, who are facing challenges posed by societal biases and the effects of ageism. We focus on career transitions, retirement planning, financial stability, confidence building, and combating feelings of loneliness, isolation and low self-esteem. Through workshops, seminars, training and social events, we empower women to redefine their lives with resilience and confidence.
Sharing our Truth...straight from the heart!