Austin’s New Office Development WORKBENCH Led by Women Entrepreneurs
AUSTIN — There’s exciting news in east Austin, where a new office development is taking shape. Titled WORKBENCH, this project aims to bring retail and dining options to the corner of East Seventh Street and Pedernales Street. What makes this initiative particularly noteworthy is that it is spearheaded by three women entrepreneurs who are eager to make a mark in commercial real estate.
Meet the Founders
The trio behind WORKBENCH includes Jennifer Seay, Shawna Sieck, and DeLea Becker. Each of them has their own established business in Austin. Seay is the founder of Art + Artisans, which specializes in curating artwork for real estate projects. Sieck runs Legacy Lighting, a company that collaborates with lighting manufacturers. Becker has a long history in real estate, particularly in east Austin, as the founder of Beck-Reit Commercial Real Estate.
A Space for Women Entrepreneurs
The founders of WORKBENCH are not just looking to create office space; they have a vision to support and uplift other women entrepreneurs. Becker shared their plans, stating, “We will have the conference room filled with events, events that are focused on women. We want you to learn.” They plan to provide structured events where women can gain knowledge on various aspects of commercial real estate, including finance and project development.
Women make up a minority in the commercial real estate world. According to various reports, only 3% of commercial real estate worldwide is owned and managed by women. While a report from the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network indicated that women constituted nearly 37% of commercial real estate professionals in 2020, this percentage hasn’t changed much over the past 15 years.
Changing the Narrative
Determined to change these statistics, Seay remarked, “Just gives light to what women can accomplish in commercial real estate when they’re willing to just kind of work hard and get out there and put their mind to it.” Sieck added that WORKBENCH will be a welcoming space. “That’s what this is going to symbolize,” she said. “Come here. We’ll help you. We’ll help you be what you want to be.”
Community Impact
This initiative is set to impact the local community significantly. By fostering an environment supportive of female entrepreneurs, the founders are hoping to empower more women to enter the field. They aim to serve as mentors and provide necessary resources to those ready to take the leap into commercial real estate.
Moving Forward
As construction continues on the WORKBENCH, community members are keenly watching its progress. The new development not only promises to add value to the local economy but also emphasizes the growing role of women in industries that traditionally have been dominated by men. The founders’ initiative is a step towards changing that narrative, showcasing the potential and capabilities of women in real estate.
As more details emerge about upcoming events and community support programs, many hope that WORKBENCH will be a successful and inspiring hub for women entrepreneurs in Austin and beyond.
