Blackbird, a new coworking firm located in Culver City that is catered to women of color and their allies, is expected to officially open its doors next month.
The new 12,000 square foot property is set to open on October 26 with a grand opening celebration. It already has hosted numerous events during its soft-open phase, including a reception for 2020 presidential candidate Kamala Harris last month.
“There is just a shorthand that I have when I’m immersed in my own community that [feels like] when you’re home; there is an intangible experience of just having a comfort of community [where you feel] seen,” said Bridgid Coulter, interior designer, former actress and founder of Blackbird. “I knew that there was a lack of diversity and not [necessarily] from anybody trying to not have it.”
Coulter said that people who embrace coworking spaces end up being in positions with flexible job schedules, such as writers and producers, but hopes to welcome women of color and their allies from all sectors of the workforce.
The Culver City location features a lounge area, communal workspace, 40 dedicated desks, 10 private offices, conference rooms, a recording studio, a cafe, event stages and an open courtyard.
The firm will offer programming such as mentorships, town halls, panel discussions, a book club and other events focused on creativity and well-being.
“I feel such a responsibility to the community to make it beautiful and inclusive and just ‘right,’” said Coulter says.
Moving forward, Colter hopes to expand Blackbird internationally in places such as Ghana, Johannesburg, London and Paris.