The Ascent

BWWA’s Career & Economic Hub

The Ascent is located in North Minneapolis on Fremont & West Broadway Ave, it serves as a multi-use economic and cultural destination where individuals, entrepreneurs, and partners come together to build, connect, and move forward. It is where economic agency becomes visible, accessible, and operational.

From ZaRah to The Ascent

The building most recently operated as ZaRah Integrated Root Center—a space focused on holistic health and healing. ZaRah remains an active part of The Ascent today, offering: wellness suites for holistic practitioners | a free weekly community clinic | the Mahogany Women’s Clinic| bodywork, energy healing, pain management, and restorative care

ZaRah continues to serve a diverse community while maintaining a culturally grounded approach to healing. The transition to The Ascent expands this model—integrating wellness with economic development, resource access, and community infrastructure.

ascent On-Site Partners

The Ascent is home to a growing network of entrepreneurs, practitioners, and organizations, including:

• Nura Holistic Massage & Bodywork

• Essies Wonder Butter

• Revive Hair Restoration Salon

• Healing Mood, LLC

• Northwestern Health Sciences University

• ZaRah Integrated Root Center

• Black Women’s Wealth Alliance (Headquarters)

• Harmonious Wellness, Harmonious World

• Shonte’s Place

• East Coast Foods

• Taste of Chile

In addition, several rotating partners and community providers utilize the space for programming and services.

Host a Workshop at The Ascent

The Ascent is a space for learning, connection, and development.

We are seeking partners to provide workshops and educational sessions in areas such as:

• homeownership

• business development

• investing and wealth building

• estate planning

• leadership and professional growth

• health and wellness

Workshops are offered to community members, BWWA participants, and the broader ecosystem.

Services & Experiences at ascent

Visitors to The Ascent can access a wide range of services, including:

• Holistic health and healing services

• Massage & stretch therapy, and other bodywork

• Infrared light therapy and energy work

• Hair restoration and beauty services

• Apothecary and natural wellness products

• Himalayan salt room and meditation space

• Free weekly wellness clinic (ZaRah)

• Mahogany Women’s Clinic (women-focused care)

• Co-working space and business support (BWWA)

• Workshops and educational programming (BWWA & Site Partners)

• These services are provided through both on-site partners and BWWA-led programming.

Co-working space is available through

BWWA membership or ZaRah client services

The Next Phase of The Ascent

Since 2021, the Black Women’s Wealth Alliance has raised more than $5 million to acquire and redevelop this building as a long-term Career & Economic Hub. The next phase of development is underway. Renovations are expected to begin in late 2026 and will expand the building’s capacity and functionality.

The building upgrades includes expanded office & retail spaces, enhanced café & culinary operations, improved outdoor & gathering areas, modernization of a historic structure, and public art & environmental design enhancements.

Building Forward

The continued growth of The Ascent is a shared effort. There are opportunities to support the next phase of development through the Hoperah Fund and direct contributions to the work.

Support may include:

• contributing to buildout and expansion

• furnishing and equipping shared spaces

• investing in long-term infrastructure

• supporting ecosystem development

Those interested in contributing can connect through BWWA or the Hoperah Fund.

Opportunities for legacy and recognition including named and physical contributions within the space will be available as part of this next phase. The Ascent is not just a building, It is a continuation of a legacy—and a foundation for what comes next.