Austin Launches WORKBENCH: A New Hub for Women Entrepreneurs in Commercial Real Estate

Austin’s New Office Development Aims to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

AUSTIN — A new office development is taking shape in east Austin, and it’s all thanks to three determined women entrepreneurs. The site, located at the corner of East Seventh Street and Pedernales Street, is set to become WORKBENCH, a four-story space that combines offices, retail, and restaurants.

The driving forces behind this project are Jennifer Seay, Shawna Sieck, and DeLea Becker. Each woman has strong roots in the business community in Austin. Jennifer Seay is the founder of Art + Artisans, an art consulting firm that specializes in curating artwork for real estate developments. Shawna Sieck runs Legacy Lighting, a firm that represents lighting manufacturers. DeLea Becker, with 25 years of experience in east Austin real estate, is the founder of Beck-Reit Commercial Real Estate.

Supporting Women in Business

The trio is on a mission to support fellow women entrepreneurs through WORKBENCH. In Becker’s words, “We are going to have the conference room filled with events, events that are focused on women. We want you to learn.” She emphasized that they will outline how they successfully navigated the financial and developmental aspects of their project.

This effort comes at a crucial time when statistics reveal that women comprise only a small fraction of commercial real estate investors across the nation. According to a report, only 3% of commercial real estate is owned and managed by women globally, a figure that is alarmingly low. Meanwhile, a 2020 report from the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network shows that women make up nearly 37% of professionals in the field, but this number hasn’t seen significant growth in the last 15 years.

Creating Opportunities

Becker, Seay, and Sieck are looking to change these numbers and shine a light on the potential achievements of women in commercial real estate. “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,” Seay said.

Sieck added that their goal at WORKBENCH is to offer support and guidance to those who seek it, stating, “That’s what this is going to symbolize. Come here. We’ll help you. We’ll help you be what you want to be.”

A Collaborative Space

WORKBENCH aims to be more than just an office development. It is designed to be a collaborative space where women can gather, learn, and connect with one another. The founders see it as an opportunity to create a supportive community that caters specifically to the needs of women entrepreneurs.

As they prepare for the opening of WORKBENCH, the three women are excited about the prospects this space will offer. They believe that this initiative will not only help them move forward in their careers but also assist many others in achieving their professional goals.

Looking Toward the Future

As the construction progresses on WORKBENCH, there is a sense of anticipation in the air. The community is eagerly awaiting a space that promises to foster growth, learning, and collaboration among women in business.

Through this initiative, Seay, Sieck, and Becker are making a clear statement that women can play a significant role in commercial real estate. They are paving the way for future generations of female leaders, showing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

In summary, WORKBENCH stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for women in Austin and beyond. It aims to create an inclusive environment where women can thrive professionally, learn from each other, and ultimately change the face of commercial real estate.