Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News with Angela Davis
Angela Davis and Karen Zamora

Twin Cities coworking spaces that cater to women offer safe place for work, community

Kristin Nilsen, right, a writer, works in the Quiet Room at ModernWell.
In this Jan. 16, 2019 photo, Kristin Nilsen, right, a writer, takes advantage of the Quiet Room at ModernWell in Minneapolis. ModernWell is one of a growing number of women-only and women-focused workspaces around the country. While many predate the #MeToo movement, their growth has been interlinked with it as it put combating workplace harassment on the national agenda.
Jim Mone | AP

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

When working at The Coven or at ModernWell, there is an essential and intentional difference from other workplaces: no men.

While they don’t discriminate against men joining, these two Minneapolis-based coworking spaces cater specifically to women, nonbinary and trans entrepreneurs, freelancers and other workers.

Related: Workspaces centered on women on the rise in #MeToo movement

The attraction? Members cite a need for a safer space, a community that inspires and sparks creativity, and a network that boosts business.

“When you center women, nonbinary and trans folks, it’s about feeling seen and heard and understood in a space that’s for you,” said Alex West Steinman, CEO and cofounder of The Coven. “Many times, when they go to work they have to put a mask on and be somebody who they are not. So what would happen if you walked into a space and you could be your full self to work … and feel like you don’t have to shed personalities to fit in or feel comfortable?”

It is a business concept that came out of New York City in 2016 and is quickly spreading across the country and into Minnesota.

The founders of The Coven and ModernWell spoke about the need for such shared workspaces and how they can foster better work performance.

Guests:

Alex West Steinman, CEO and co-founder, The Coven

Julie Burton, CEO and founder, ModernWell


Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS