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When working at The Coven or at ModernWell, there is an essential and intentional difference from other workplaces: no men.

While they don’t discriminate against men joining, these two Minneapolis-based coworking spaces cater specifically to women, nonbinary and trans entrepreneurs, freelancers and other workers.

 Workspaces centered on women on the rise in #MeToo movement

The attraction? Members cite a need for a safer space, a community that inspires and sparks creativity, and a network that boosts business.

“When you center women, nonbinary and trans folks, it’s about feeling seen and heard and understood in a space that’s for you,” said Alex West Steinman, CEO and cofounder of

. “Many times, when they go to work they have to put a mask on and be somebody who they are not. So what would happen if you walked into a space and you could be your full self to work … and feel like you don’t have to shed personalities to fit in or feel comfortable?”

It is a business concept that came out of New York City in 2016 and is quickly spreading across the country and into Minnesota.

The founders of The Coven and ModernWell spoke about the need for such shared workspaces and how they can foster better work performance.

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A business concept that came out of New York City in 2016 is quickly spreading across the country and into Minnesota: coworking spaces that cater specifically to women, nonbinary and trans folks. The attraction? Users cite a need for a safer space, a community that inspires and sparks creativity, and a network that boosts business.

Twin Cities coworking spaces that cater to women offer safe place for work, community

Kristin Nilsen, right, a writer, works in the Quiet Room at ModernWell.

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