Episode 26: Ipade - Elizabeth Dawes Gay

 Elizabeth Dawes Gay, Founder and CEO of Ipade is sharing the new wave of inclusive co-working that serves Black women and people of color and combats microaggressions at the office. Stemming from the West African Yoruba word Ìpàdé (ee-pah-day), meaning “meeting or gathering,” this co-working space doesn’t just offer a place to work—it cultivates community. Despite being hit with a global pandemic that impacted many Black women and women of color in the workspace, Ipade continued to bring women together to build skills and resilience, disrupt barriers to advancement, dismantle systems of oppression, and transform society.

Elizabeth shares her journey with Ipade and some inspirational advice for small businesses and entrepreneurs following their vision.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box: “We provide coworking space and memberships and day passes, along with a supportive community and event space where you can host workshops or retreats and get things done.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: The workplace is changing and so is the way we work. With the increase of inclusion and connection our workplaces are becoming more efficient. Ipade is connecting teams to drive collaboration, nurture healthy working relationships, and promote knowledge-sharing. Located in DC, Ipade offers both virtual and in person coworking memberships.

Check Out These Highlights:

-Elizabeth shares how Ipade adapted to safe gathering and saw the immediate connections made in the first in person coworking pop up (7:19)

-The inspiration and history behind the name Ipade (9:19)

-How Elizabeth pushed through the obstacles of COVID to follow her vision (10:14)

Quotes:

“There’s so many people of color here, professional people, creative folks who are innovating and doing great things for their communities, and yet we didn't have a space that we could call our own.”

“There's this energy exchange that happens when you can see someone, and you all are in the same place, and you have the opportunity to actually get to know other people.”

“Everyone gets no’s […] say yes to yourself, trust yourself and keep going.”