Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they explore how makerspaces can serve as powerful engines for economic and community development. In this episode, guests Dr. Stephanie Santoso, Co-Founder and President of MakerUSA, and Secretary Jake Day, Secretary of Housing and Community Development for the State of Maryland, share why makerspaces matter—not just as creative hubs, but as essential infrastructure for inclusive innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. Drawing on national and state-level experience, they discuss what it takes to secure public investment, how makerspaces can better communicate impact to policymakers, and what leaders should look for when supporting these spaces.
To learn more about the guests featured in this episode, visit:
Mechanism (mechanism.community)
MakerUSA (https://www.makerusa.org/)
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (https://dhcd.maryland.gov/pages/default.aspx)

Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they explore how makerspaces are transforming into small-scale manufacturers. Guests Meg Hammond of Generator in Burlington, VT and Will Holman of OpenWorks in Baltimore, MD, share how their spaces support local entrepreneurs, artists, and community projects through contract fabrication—from 3D printing custom parts to building interactive art installations and public infrastructure. Discover how these makerspaces are bridging gaps in education, technology, and local manufacturing, providing hands-on learning and empowering creators to bring ideas to life.
To learn more about the guests featured in this episode, visit:
Mechanism (mechanism.community)
Generator (https://generatorvt.com/)
OpenWorks (https://www.openworksbmore.org/)

Join hosts Laura Masulis and Andrew Dahlgren of Mechanism as they explore how makerspaces are transforming communities by blending creativity, skill-building, and workforce development. Featuring Tiffany Jacobs of Forge Greensboro in Greensboro, NC and Brianna Drohen of LaunchSpace in Orange, MA, they discuss how hands-on learning empowers youth and adults to gain confidence, and pursue careers in trades and technology.

To learn more about the guests featured in this episode, visit:
Mechanism (mechanism.community)
Forge Greensboro (https://www.forgegreensboro.org/)
LaunchSpace (https://launchspace-orange.com/)