About
The Dojo Cafe is a social enterprise founded in 2017. The general idea for The Dojo Cafe came to our Co-Founder Carlos after having worked as a Social Worker in and out of the homes of people going through life challenges in City Heights since 2006. It was apparent there was a lack of safe spaces, especially for M&M’s, aimed at bringing the community together in a fun way while simultaneously offering connections to resources. With the help of the Startup Leadership Program, and entrepreneurship accelerator program, Carlos put together a rough business sketch of a safe space in City Heights. Carlos recruited Co-Founders Tayari, Nancy, Pete and Kristina, along with advisors specializing in different arenas, and hit the ground running. In 2017 our team and interns surveyed over 100 local residents regarding what they liked, didn’t like, and would like to see in City Heights. The survey results confirmed our experiences and shaped The Dojo Cafe into what it is today.