The mindset behind co-creation and maintaining the community aspect at BIWOC* Rising was rooted in creating a supportive space specifically for marginalised people—a safer and inclusive environment for those who often feel sidelined in traditional workspaces. From the start, the vision extended beyond just being another coworking area; it was about crafting a space where individuals could come together for professional growth and to find solidarity and mutual support. Unlike traditional coworking models, which often focus on networking and resources, BIWOC* Rising was built around the fundamental belief that community is the heart of the workspace. It’s about more than shared values or professional interests; it’s a platform where people uplift and empower each other through shared experiences. The coworking aspect provides a functional structure, but it’s the community work within this space that truly defines its purpose—helping members navigate and thrive in an inclusive work culture.
Honouring diverse cultures in a shared space
While the space doesn’t focus exclusively on culture, it does play a significant role in the coworking experience. As an intersectional space, it brings together racialised individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, each with distinct values and work ethics shaped by their experiences from across the Global South and Global North. These cultural differences are not seen as superior or inferior but as unique perspectives, creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing without having to constantly explain themselves. This acceptance fosters a respect where members feel understood and valued. Culture at BIWOC* Rising becomes a quiet but powerful layer within the community, offering members a genuine sense of belonging in a space that embraces diversity and celebrates understanding.
Navigating differences with respect and shared values
Navigating different beliefs and perspectives has been a valuable learning experience at BIWOC* Rising. At first, there was an assumption that bringing together individuals who have faced discrimination—whether from racism, sexism, ableism, or transphobia—would naturally create a unified community. However, it quickly became apparent that shared experiences don’t always lead to shared perspectives. As new members join, they bring fresh ideas and expectations, leading to an evolving community. Clear communication about the coworking spaces’ values has been a necessity, helping define what the space represents and how members can collaborate. The space thrives not on perfect agreement but on a shared commitment to inclusivity, respect, and mutual growth in an ever-evolving community.
The foundation for community and co-creation
Creating a community in a coworking space is a unique process, especially since most people associate a community with the places or groups they were born into, like hometowns, schools, or religious groups. In a professional coworking setting,, the community is intentional and chosen, with each person bringing their unique experiences and needs. This type of community must be built from the ground up, requiring time, dedication, and mutual understanding. Unlike communities we’re born into, where bonds may already be established, people join coworking spaces with a specific purpose: to find a sense of belonging and shared goals. To make this sense of community feel natural, it needs consistent nurturing and active participation from everyone involved.
Co-creation as the heart of community
In coworking, distinguishing between networking and true community is essential. Networking is often about contacts and opportunities, but a coworking community goes beyond professional exchanges to focus on shared values and trust. This requires people to know each other on a deeper, more revealing level, moving beyond superficial connections. Smaller communities often emerge within a larger coworking space, where members feel comfortable, seen, and able to support each other’s growth. Co-creation is fundamental here: instead of passively connecting, everyone plays an active role in shaping the environment, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging. A true coworking community is not just about working alongside others but about feeling valued and knowing you’re part of something that is as much yours as you are part of it.
Building trust in a co-creative coworking space involves acknowledging that people come from different backgrounds, each with their own challenges and experiences. They address this by creating an environment where people feel seen and valued. By actively making space for underrepresented voices and encouraging more privileged members to listen and support, they cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect. This approach allows members to share as much as they feel comfortable, giving them the agency to participate without pressure. When members feel safe, the path to genuine co-creation opens up, as individuals realise their contributions matter and are celebrated.
Additionally, consistency in community practices plays a critical role in fostering this sense of safety and inclusion. Regular check-ins, events, and shared activities create touchpoints where members can interact in meaningful ways, strengthening their connections over time. Through these ongoing interactions, coworking spaces can shift from being spaces of shared work to becoming communities where vulnerability is encouraged, and co-creation flourishes. By valuing each member’s input and adjusting to their needs, they build a sustainable coworking community that goes beyond just space—it’s a place where everyone can grow together.
Redefining professionalism
At BIWOC* Rising, professionalism isn’t about code-switching or presenting a persona that conforms to corporate expectations. For many women of colour working in predominantly white spaces, code-switching has often been an unspoken requirement—an expectation to alter mannerisms, speech, or even personality to fit into a rigid workspace. This practice creates a barrier to true self-expression, making it difficult to feel connected to colleagues and limiting the ability to fully show up. At this coworking space, professionalism is redefined to embrace authenticity, allowing everyone to be present with all their strengths and quirks. Here, professionalism is rooted in trust-building that comes from the freedom to be one’s true self, without the need to censor parts of one’s identity.
This approach to professionalism fosters a community that holds space for emotions and recognises that personal experiences influence how individuals work together. In difficult moments, for example, team members are encouraged to openly express their feelings—even if that means showing vulnerability by sharing personal struggles. This space is neither a family nor a circle of best friends, but it’s one where people are comfortable sharing what matters to them, enabling stronger support and a deeper sense of connection. Authenticity is not only welcomed but seen as essential for wellbeing; when individuals feel they must bottle up what’s important to them, it has drawbacks on both mental and physical health.
This is part 1 of a 2-part blog series. Stay tuned for part 2 of the blog piece. In the meantime, please tell us more about your experience with creating a community in your coworking space on our Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.