LC Johnson Creates Co-Working Space and Community for Women of Color
LC Johnson is the visionary founder and CEO of Zora's House, a coworking and community space in Columbus, Ohio, dedicated to empowering women and gender-expansive people of color. Established in 2018, Zora's House offers a sanctuary where members can connect, create, and thrive. LC's inspiration stemmed from her own experiences seeking community and support, leading her to establish a space that fosters leadership, creativity, and collaboration among women of color. Under her leadership, Zora's House has grown into a vibrant hub, providing resources, programs, and a sense of belonging to its members.
2. The Problem
Women of color often face systemic barriers in professional and creative spaces, including lack of representation, mentorship, and culturally relevant resources. These challenges can lead to feelings of isolation and hinder personal and professional growth. In Columbus, the absence of dedicated spaces for women of color to connect and collaborate highlighted the need for a supportive community. Without such spaces, women of color may struggle to find networks that understand and address their unique experiences and aspirations.
3. The Solution
Zora's House addresses these challenges by providing a 10,000-square-foot facility that includes coworking spaces, private offices, shared resources, and event areas. The center offers programs such as creative workshops, professional development, business planning courses, and financial literacy education. These initiatives are designed to support the personal and professional growth of women of color, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. The space also serves as a cultural hub, celebrating the legacies of foremothers and providing a platform for members to share their talents and visions.
4. The Motivation
LC's motivation to create Zora's House was deeply personal. After relocating to Columbus, she recognized a lack of spaces where women of color could be their authentic selves and access resources tailored to their needs. Inspired by a dream of a vibrant community space, she was determined to establish a place where women could connect, collaborate, and grow. Her commitment to uplifting women of color and providing them with the tools and support to succeed drives the mission of Zora's House.
5. The Lessons
LC's journey with Zora's House teaches the importance of creating spaces that honor and uplift overlooked and underserved communities with immense creative potential. It highlights the value of listening to community needs and responding with tailored solutions. Her experience underscores the significance of resilience and vision in overcoming challenges and building sustainable initiatives. Additionally, Johnson's leadership exemplifies the impact of representation and empowerment, demonstrating that when women of color are given the resources and support they need, they can lead transformative change.
Conclusion
LC Johnson's dedication to empowering women of color through Zora's House has created a lasting impact in Columbus. By providing a space that nurtures creativity, leadership, and community, she has addressed critical gaps and fostered a thriving environment for women of color to succeed. Her work exemplifies the power of vision and community-driven initiatives in creating inclusive and supportive spaces. Zora's House continues to serve as a beacon of empowerment, inspiring women to dream boldly and achieve their goals.