At Laboratory, we’re deeply committed to empowering our community and building intentional pathways for connection, learning, and opportunity. As an important step toward our opening, we hosted a listening circle at Columbia Bank in Crenshaw, California—creating space to gather, listen, and learn directly from those shaping and supporting the corridor.

The event brought together local leaders, employers, community partners, and residents to share perspectives on the future of Laboratory and the role it can play within Crenshaw. With support from the California Jobs First Los Angeles Collaborative Catalyst Grant, alongside BRIC Foundation, The Handy Foundation and CVL Economics, the morning was filled with thoughtful, forward-looking conversation rooted in real community needs and lived experience.

During the session, James Fauntleroy shared his vision for Laboratory, helping frame the space as both a creative and economic engine. The discussion also surfaced valuable insights around current state-level funding and resources being directed into the Crenshaw area, offering clarity on opportunities for alignment and collaboration. Participants raised important questions around long-term sustainability, programmatic support, and accessible educational pathways—topics that are central to how Laboratory is being designed and developed.

The conversation was both inspiring and practical, with participants actively working to connect challenges to potential solutions and identify ways to move forward together. We were grateful to hear perspectives from View Park High School, LAEDC, and many other partners who are already deeply engaged in the community and committed to its growth.

This listening circle was an integral part of our commitment to showing up, listening first, and building alongside the community—not around it. We’re excited to continue hosting sessions like these as a way to test insights, ground our research, and ensure Laboratory grows as a meaningful pathway for all.

Thank you to Columbia Bank for opening their space and hosting us as we continue bringing this work to life. We look forward to our opening later this year. If you were unable to attend, we invite you to join our mailing list for future updates and events as we steward this mission thoughtfully and with care.

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