WHO WE ARE
District Hall is the world’s first free-standing public innovation center. We
Our Mission
We are fostering a strong, supportive, and accessible innovation community in Greater Boston. We build, strengthen, and connect individuals and communities of innovators while expanding access to resources, programming, and networks.
Our Values
Venture Café Foundation
We are a program of the Venture Café Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Our mission is to broaden, connect, and support the innovation community through a public network of spaces and programs to help anyone with an idea succeed. To learn more about our other programs, please visit venturecafefoundation.org.
What We Do
EventS
FREE, Public WORKSPACE
ProgramS + Resources
OUR IMPACT AT A Glance
District Hall’s unique model allows us to reinvest revenue from site fees back into the community through free, public workspace and discounted event space.
1000+
“District Hall is a public, ground-level, accessible space – it’s truly a physical representation of how we best interact with people. We want to foster a creative, inclusive outlet to approach problem solving, and District Hall is the perfect place to do that…The ethos of this space really captures the philosophy of being a public innovation space.”
Cathy Wissink$1 Million
“District Hall’s story is one that highlights that power of what we’re able to achieve when we collaborate. It’s about people coming together to make something for the community at large.”
Intelligent.ly
95000+
visitors in 2017
“As a first time entrepreneur, starting a business can be an intimidating process, but having a welcoming, free co-working space that is open to the public helps to remove a huge barrier. This has enabled me to make helpful connections and learn a ton from other entrepreneurs at various stages of their businesses.”
Natasha KayuluOUR TEAM
DANIEL VIDAÑA
Director
Daniel is Director of Venture Café District Hall Program. He brings over 25 years of experience merging leadership, creativity and business insight with solid non-profit, start-up and corporate experience. Daniel has held senior executive operations and supply chain roles for market leaders such as Apple Inc., Universal Electronics, VeriFone and e-commerce marketplaces Shari’s Berries, ProFlowers, RedEnvelope and Personal Creations during periods of high growth. Most recently, Daniel served as Vice President at Cradles to Crayons in Boston. In addition, in 2010 Daniel founded and scaled the November Nights Elite College Soccer Showcase a youth soccer initiative focused on connecting scholar-athletes with college scouts. Daniel holds a B.A. in Spanish from Santa Clara University, with a concentration in International Business and Latin American Studies. Daniel brings a true passion for engaging diverse entrepreneurial communities with mutual interests in technology, youth sports, and social innovation.
Sarah Desimas
Senior Operations and Development Manager
Sarah is interested in social entrepreneurship and exploring new perspectives through community engagement and travel. At District Hall, you can find her delving into Ops projects and running out to networking events around the city. In her spare time, she enjoys photographing Boston and investigating the beautiful green spaces downtown. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Graphic Design from Northeastern University.
LONGZHEN HAN
Program Manager
Longy is responsible for organizing, planning and running programs that connect, strengthen and invigorate the innovation community in Boston. When not in the office, Longy can be found working on her start-up that builds children’s empathy for cultures around the world through quirky storytelling! An avid traveler, she has trekked around all seven continents, over 45 countries and counting.Longy holds Bachelor Degrees in Commerce and Laws from the University of Melbourne, and a Master’s from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
RACHAEL REINTS
Events Coordinator
Rachael is the Events Coordinator at District Hall. She strives to foster innovation and engage the community of entrepreneurs in Boston. You can find her managing events and working with clients at District Hall. In addition to her love of details and organization, Rachael enjoys exploring the outdoors, including camping, kayaking, and playing field hockey. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Hospitality Management from Endicott College.
OUR SPONSORS
Operating our space and fulfilling our mission would not be possible without our generous sponsors and community partners. Interested in supporting our work? Get in touch here!
FOUNDING TEAM
Founding Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
In-kind Sponsors
