What is your Mission? To give mothers of every gender the time and space to explore DIY craft and design, hacker/maker culture, entrepreneurship, and all manner of creative expression.

What is a hackerspace? Like hackerspaces the world over, we’re a membership-based, community-operated creative space where do it yourselfers share tools, intelligence and community. Hacker/maker culture and values support open source, peer-learning, shameless amateurism and unabashed dabbling, dilletantism, experimentation and healthy failures in hacking yourself and your subject. As the first women’s hackerspace, we are a unique tribe in the hacker community. HackerMoms is founded on the idea that mothers need a creative outlet and stimulating environment of encouragement, support and permission to explore.

Who is a HackerMom? A HackerMom is a woman with children who is as restless and curious as her children. That may be you: Creative, curious, inventive, indie, artsy/craftsy/ designy/techy, visionary, outspoken, scrappy, superhot, hands-on, badass mover and maker of any age. Some think that you have to be an artist or a computer programmer to be a HackerMom, but that’s not necessarily true. Maybe you have a project (or a hundred) in mind. Maybe you crave the support of a community or want a hobby. Maybe you want to reinvent yourself by hacking your life. We do hope the title “HackerMom” offers a positive alternative to other female archetypes, like “desperate housewife,” “soccer mom,” “long-suffering martyr“ and “ruthless career girl.” One day, our kids will proudly say, “My mom’s a HackerMom!”

Can dads and non-moms be HackerMoms? HackerMoms is open to moms of any gender. For all moms, dads and non-moms, we handle membership on a case-by-case basis. Like joining any community, membership is based on chemistry, culture and tolerance. In short, HackerMoms can be anyone who’s comfortable with the culture – and patient enough to handle the chaos! Visit our open houses to meet us.

Is there childcare? We currently do not have childcare available. As our membership and member interests change, we will revisit this topic and are open to hearing what new members want. In the past, we created a space for parents to come up with their own collaborative childcare solutions, whether it be an on-site babysitter, nanny share, co-op trades, or tribe-style childcare hacking.

We are a community where everyone is vaccinated and boosted, with some exceptions for special events that include kids under five.

What kinds of equipment do you have? We have a collective tool library and collaboratively share materials amongst one another. We are continuing to build our workshop of tools and equipment. If you would like to donate, please email info@hackermoms.org. For heavy-duty power tools, members go to our partner hackerspace, Ace Monster Toys up the street in Oakland, who have a CNC machine, laser cutter, makerbots, 3D printers, a full woodshop and electronics lab and lots more cool stuff.

What kinds of workshops do you have? We offer workshops led by peers and experts. We also offer labs where no one is an expert and we hack an area of interest together as a group. Sometimes we invite speakers. We also have ongoing clubs, like Failure Club, Unfinished Objects (a craft club), a writers club and a critique group for the artists. We’ve created a business incubator that offers support for members starting new businesses and careers post-motherhood. Workshops have included How to Start Your Etsy Store, Coding HTML/CSS/Javascript in a Day, Palette Structures, Wills and Estate Planning, Ergonomics for Mothers, Resin Art, Bookmaking, Terrariums, Homeschooling 101, Natural Playscapes, Math Club, Drama-Free Sleep for Babies and Kids, making hula hoops and, of course, Breastmilk Baby Lotion. We are always looking for new ideas, instructors and opportunities. Email info@hackermoms.org to teach.

You’re rad, can we just donate to your non-profit, volunteer-run hackerspace? We accept donations of tools, equipment and art/craft supplies. Please email us first about equipment as we are tight for space.

How do I become a member? See our Membership Info page for full details.