Coworking for good

In 2019, President Kevin M. Ross shared a vision for the third floor of the Christine E. Lynn University Center—that it would "provide the necessary tools to help students, faculty, alumni and community organizations collaborate to solve challenges."

That vision was already in the making ... Lynn launched its Social Impact Lab in 2017 when the late Jerry Hildebrand arrived to campus, bringing a network of changemakers to mentor and encourage students. When the lab moved into the new university center, Madison Slate '18 came on board to help realize the 10,000 square feet of potential.

Through a collaboration with Proximity, a coworking management software, Lynn soon opened the door for a select group of these bright organizations to do their good work on campus. It is now a thriving, socially conscious shared workspace.

"We work within coworkers' budgets to keep them in Boca Raton and learn about their goals," said Slate, director of special projects. "I connect them with career connections, professors and other departments on campus."

Organizations can rent a desk, with assigned and shared options, or an office if they meet two requirements:

1. Coworkers must have a social impact bottom line, whether they are a nonprofit, B Corps or social enterprise.
2. They must engage students through internships, workshops and classroom speaking.

Rental fees range from $200 to $400 per month. It includes a background check, parking pass, utilities, printing, internet and even coffee—always freshly brewed in the kitchen.

"I hear so many stories of organizations that wouldn’t be where they are today without this opportunity," said Slate. "We are truly making a difference, just by offering affordable workspace."

The TimberTech Championship, a PGA champions charity event, was one of the first organizations to call Lynn's coworking space home. Bianca Feller '10, '11 is the tournament manager.

"We had a full office and overhead was a lot, so we decided to move into our new office at Lynn in 2020," said Feller. "We’re so grateful we eliminated that overhead before the pandemic hit. The affordable space allows us to continue to make this event happen—and give more back to our community."

Boca Raton Champions Golf Charities serves as the operational and financial oversight group for the TimberTech Championship and is responsible for distributing net proceeds to Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation. Over the last 13 years, the tournament has raised more than $2 million for local charities.

Anthony Greco '02, Stephen Marino '12, '16, and Ali Naugle '16 are also part of the team that makes this PGA champions event possible. Barbara Cambia '80 facilitates connections, while faculty and students get involved in the tournament and events surrounding it.

"I love how students and alumni are working together to impact our community," said Feller. "Being on a college campus forces us out into the community, to build relationships."

Alumni-owned or -run organizations receive a 10% discount in the Lynn coworking space. Email [email protected] to learn more.