Pumping Station: One

Pumping Station: One (PS1) plays a significant role in its community by fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving. As a makerspace, PS1 provides a hub where individuals can come together to share resources, skills, and ideas. With a sense of community at its core PS1 encourages members to take initiative and engage in positive interactions. By placing the responsibility of decision-making in the hands of its over 700 members, PS1 ensures that the space evolves based on the collective needs and interests of the community.
A key feature of PS1 is that it is entirely member-driven, with no employees. The organization relies on its members to maintain and improve the space, contribute ideas, and even fund equipment purchases. This democratic and self-sustaining structure makes PS1 more than just a workshop—it is a living, evolving entity shaped by the efforts and vision of those who participate. Because anyone can propose votes or changes, the community thrives on active engagement and innovation.
Moreover, PS1 is not just about tools and equipment, but about people who make it a creative haven. While the space boasts impressive resources, it is the ethos of collaboration and shared knowledge that truly defines its value. Members are encouraged to contribute as long as it remains enjoyable and fulfilling for them, which helps prevent burnout and ensures that passion drives the projects undertaken in the space. Through this framework, PS1 becomes a dynamic space for learning, experimenting, and making meaningful contributions to the broader hacker and maker movements.

As the current president of Pumping Station: One NFP, I have had the privilege of serving on the board of directors for four years. PS1 has been a true passion project for me, as I fully believe in its mission and am deeply committed to fostering the type of community that organizations like PS1 help to build. My investment in the organization comes from a desire to see it thrive and continue benefiting the many people who find inspiration, creativity, and growth within its walls.
During my time on the board, I have worked to steer the organization towards a more long-term strategic vision. Together, we have been paving the way for stable growth and ensuring the positive health of PS1 for years to come. Since stepping into the role of president, I am proud to say that the board of directors has become more cohesive and communicative as a team than ever before, and I am excited about what the future holds for this incredible community.

Visit PumpingStationOne.org for more info and current events.