About Our Space
401 State Street is more than our headquarters — it’s a sanctuary and a symbol of what is possible when directly impacted leaders have the resources, vision, and community support to drive transformation. Located in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, this four-story, 19,000 sq. ft. building was designed with the needs of our Core Community and grassroots partners at its heart. From accessible office suites to welcoming event spaces, it provides the infrastructure for care, collaboration, and community-led change.
Every corner reflects the values and culture of Women Building Up. The walls are alive with art, photography, and installations that center the voices and brilliance of women, girls, and gender-expansive people impacted by carceral systems. These works do more than beautify the space — they stand as declarations of healing, resistance, and collective power, reminding us daily of the vision we are building together.
401 State Street is where we gather, organize, co-create, and imagine the future we deserve. Shaped by and for those most impacted, it is both a home and a living expression of WBU’s mission: to build a world rooted in care, dignity, and liberation.
The Art
The art and photography displayed throughout our space were intentionally curated to reflect the values, identity, and culture of a community rooted in justice and healing. Each piece honors lived experience, celebrates justice-impacted leadership, and amplifies the brilliance and creativity of women, girls, and gender-expansive people.
Together, this collection is more than decoration — it is a declaration of who we are and what we believe: that healing is power, creativity is resistance, and justice can be both seen and felt. The works on our walls reflect Women Building Up’s culture and affirm the future we are building — one rooted in care, connection, and liberation.
Our current collection was curated by Shantrelle Lewis with the guidance of values-aligned advisors from organizations like Alternate ROOTS, NALAC, First People’s Fund, and the Kentucky Foundation for Women. Featured artists include Swoon (Edline), Faviana Rodriguez (Freedom Justice Voice Power), Jaymes Jorsling (Seychelles), Russell Frederick (Church Ladies), Sara Shamasvari (Imeni, Paris Veil; Asha, NYC Veil; Blue, London Veil), and Nadia Taquary (Irun Eja).
The Mural
Adorning the exterior of 401 State Street is a powerful mural titled “We are the ones we have been waiting for,” drawn from June Jordan’s Poem for South African Women. More than a work of art, this mural is a vibrant call to action and reflection, capturing the essence of Women Building Up.
It spans generations, identities, and movements, honoring themes of healing and transformation, resistance and restoration, sovereignty and sanctuary. The imagery reflects the collective journey of marginalized people and the communities that hold them — rooted in ancestral wisdom, shaped by the elements, and created for generations to come.
The mural was brought to life by lead artist Katie Yamasaki with contributions from Anagh Banerjee, Crystal Bruno, Kyung Chyun, ShinYeon Moon, Kien Nguyen, Eric Okdeh, Adan Palermo, Jess Poplawski, and Colin Verdi. Woven into its imagery are quotes from visionary leaders such as Audre Lorde, Grace Lee Boggs, and June Jordan — reminders of radical hope, connection, and power.
Amenities & Features
Spaces for Collaboration and Learning
Two Large Meeting/Event Spaces (25-45 person for meetings, up to 100 for events)
Eleven Individual Offices
Three Meeting Rooms (6-8 person)
Eight Shared Offices with standing/sitting desks (3-4 people per Office)
Four Phone Booths
Spaces for Restoration and Movement
Full-Service Kitchen (oven/stovetop, dish washer, 1 refrigerator & 2 catering refrigerators)
Cafeteria (seats 12)
Three Coffee Nooks (refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave)
Two Bedroom Suites with en suite ADA bathroom/shower
Four Outdoor spaces (a courtyard, garden, and two terraces)
Self-Care and Respite Rooms
Washer/Dryer