The Community (the Hive)

We are more than a workspace—we are a hive of connection, care, and collaboration. Built on the relationships between our members, coworkHERS was intentionally designed to be a space like no other.

Founded by Heather to create a safe, welcoming environment for women, our community has grown to embrace all those who’ve felt unseen or excluded in traditional workspaces.

The Hive is a place to build meaningful friendships as adults, exchange support, and create change—not just inside these walls, but throughout the Portland community.


How we connect

We know our members lead full lives, so we make connections simple, meaningful, and flexible. From monthly gatherings and peer-led clubs to spontaneous meetups, our events are designed to foster support, joy, and real relationships—on your terms.

Fork and knife icon in black.
Dice, open book, scissors icon in black.
Two glasses clinking icon in black.
Clipboard with checklist icon in black.
Ticket icon in black.
Three people together icon in black.

Get to know your future coworkers:

Professionally, our members are:

  • Event Planners, Design & Officiants

  • Coaches & Consultants

  • Therapists

  • Writer (including best-selling novels)

  • Photographers

  • Content Developers/Creators

  • User Experience Designers

  • Lawyers

  • App Developers

  • Public Health Policy Professionals

  • Art Curation Specialists

  • Voting & Environmental Advocates

  • Data Analysts

  • and the list goes on…

Personally, our members are:

  • Parents & Partners

  • Leaders & Advocates

  • Cyclists

  • Runners & Hikers

  • Home Renovators & Designers

  • Foster Parents

  • Pet Parents

  • Artists & Crafters

  • Pole Dancers & Performers

  • Chefs & Foodies

  • Gardners

  • Meditators & Yogis

  • Bloggers

  • and the list goes on…

Just like you, our members are so much more than the labels shared here.

Yes, We’re Big on Bees 🐝…

From our Queen Bee logo to the names of our meeting spaces and the art on our walls, the bee is more than a theme—it’s our ethos.

Our founder, Heather, chose the bee as a metaphor for how we work: collaboratively, with purpose, and in community. Like a hive, coworkHERS is built on care, support, and shared energy. Together, we create a home—and a movement.

Welcome to the hive. 🐝

Meet the Team

  • Heather Ashby in an orange sweater with hair down and red lipstick, background of dark grey and white.

    Heather Ashby

    FOUNDER & OWNER

    Heather is our fabulous founder. She created the space because she saw a need for herself and other women and people of marginalized communities. She is an incredible interior designer, space shaper and community builder. She is our Mama Bear - taking care of all of us, always. She finds so much joy in meeting members and supporting them in their needs, especially those that are needing community/friends in Portland.

  • Kay Kerina in blue shirt wearing glasses and headband, with a background of a tall green plant, white railing, and dark grey stairs.

    Kay Kerina

    FUN & FOOD AMBASSADOR

    Kay embodies everything we love about coworkHERS. She is friendly, welcoming, kind, inspiring and just an all-around wonderful person. She helps out around the space when needed, but more importantly, she shares her love of food and fun with us. She has taken to hosting fun events for the members from Tea time to Waffle Wednesdays to Mac & Cheese Monday. We love how enthusiastic she is about the community.

  • Rev. Devin Green in a dark gold colored chair wearing a dark shirt and light green scarf, white walls and plant in the background.

    Rev. Devin Green

    BUSINESS & CULTURE CONSULTANT

    Devin (Rev Dev) has supported Heather from the beginning. She has been instrumental in helping us to establish and grown the business while fostering a community of inclusion and connection. She is our sounding board, perspective provider, business advisor, personal and business coach, mentor, idea generator, community builder and connector. As an interspiritual minister, intuitive coach and consultant, she also supports members individually and in our coaching groups.

What the Hive is saying:

  • Incredible! Words can't describe what great work this place is doing for Maine.

    Daisie Warner

  • Beautifully decorated and well thought out space. There is co-working, private offices, meeting rooms that can be reserved, large presentation spaces, and a great local community of women. I love the energy in this space!

    Jen Dean - Photograher

  • CoworkHERS is a great step forward toward empowering our society w/ a rational common sense approach toward managing our lives. I say yield the power to the woman for a change and let the garden grow!

    Lawrence Kelly, USAnswer Inc.

  • Beautiful and safe space for women. Would like to continue to see more women supporting other women in our business and professional endeavors.

    Deborah Brown, DEBPIX

  • Lovely shared workspace for HER. with very accessible downtown location.

    Deborah Jabine, Springborn Staffing

  • Beautiful space and friendly folks! I always feel comfortable walking in the door. Love spending time here!

    Rosa Noreen - Performer & Dance Instructor

  • Love how many community events happen there!!

    Kelly Wescott

  • coworkHERS eased the transition to telehealth during COVID by providing both a virtual address and sound-proof rooms for rent as needed. Excellent, well-equipped facility with strong WIFI signal!

    Jenna Daly, LCSW PMH-C

  • Heather is a great person with a great heart. She helps us a lot, and without coworkHERS our organization will not survive.

    Shonda Okonda - Open Door Church Ministry

  • I have a very good impression of you all. I like the building: it's safe, quiet, nice interior, so clean, convenient and centrally located.

    Okita Otolembo

  • Amazing, inclusive community and workspace in Portland! I have felt so much happier and more connected since I started here."

    Allie Andrews - Somatica® Certified Sex, Intimacy & Relationship Coach

  • coworkHERS offers a beautiful space with a lot of resources to help you on your entrepreneur journey. It provides an opportunity for networking and meaningful connections. "

    Heather Lakeman - Heather + Co.

  • Beautiful, well-appointed and conveniently located co-working space in Portland. I've rented there for a 1/2 day meeting and loved the facility, we will definitely be back. Highly recommend! "

    Shannon Kinney - Dream Local Digital

  • "Conveniently located, comfortable, safe co-working space for women"

    Laura Barnard - BREAKTHRU Brands

  • "Loved working out of coworkHERS while in Portland this summer. Great vibe and space"

    Lindsay Gaskins - BREAKTHRU Brand

  • A unique, innovative business and most critical for a community that has few co-working options"

    Paula Cohen - Knowledge for Impact

  • "Wonderful space and vibe!"

    Sarah MacLaughlin

  • Quiet, clean spacious co-working space."

    Patrick Mwaura - Boston Health Systems

  • "Entrepreneur, visionary, innovator, thought leader community builder and visionary. Heather Ashby IS “all that,” and much more. Brains, beauty and boldness…grateful to have Heather on any project or team."

    Mehuman Ernst - Mehuman Music

Connect with Us!

We love connecting with like-minded people. If you have any questions or want to connect, feel free to contact us. And, follow us on Instagram to see what’s going on in the space and learn about upcoming events!