C/O Digest: March 2026
More than a workspace.
Welcome to CENTRL Station
Welcome to C/O Digest!
This month, we’re excited to highlight Oana Olteanu, Managing Director & Founder of Motive Force, who is based out of our new location in San Francisco’s North Waterfront. You’ll also find local events happening around town and a thought-provoking read from The Guardian on the hidden workplace labor that often falls to women and what it means for burnout, equity, and culture.
We also want to recognize that March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the women who have shaped industries, strengthened communities, and changed the way we work. At CENTRL, we’re proud to support a workspace where women leaders, founders, and changemakers have the resources and community they need to grow.
Community
Our Appreciation
From the ideas they champion to the communities they help build, the women of CENTRL bring a creativity and care that makes this company better every day. We’re proud to work alongside each of you, and grateful for everything you bring to this work and to each other.
From left to right, top row to bottom row:
Ashley Petersen, CFO
Jelina Cortero, General Manager @ Sacramento
Carly Smith, General Manager @ Lake Oswego
Katherine Nevitt, General Manager @ Portland Pearl
Jolene Padgett, General Manager @ LA Marina Del Rey
Jazzmine Hall, General Manager @ SF North Waterfront
Carmen Leung, Area Sales Manager @ DTLA
Kaitee Quinn, General Manager @ Seattle Capitol Hill
Jemimah Burke, General Manager @ Portland West End
Danielle Cipriano, Director of Sales @ LA South Bay I & II
Prita Gopiram, General Manager @ DTLA
Tami Wood, Director of Operations
Tricia Knox, Community Associate @ Portland Metro
Annalie Dern, Community Associate @ Seattle Capitol Hill
Kim Brewer, Senior Accountant
Courtney Janes, General Manager @ LA South Bay II
Caitlyn Klein, Project Manager
Madison Stribling, Community Associate @ LA South Bay
Locations
Happenings @ CENTRL
Here’s a look at what’s on the calendar this month at every CENTRL location, and the events around town we think are worth your time. Open your city.
Portland & Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego
- Mon Mar 9Rise & Re @10am
- Tues Mar 17Feelin’ Lucky? @2
- Weds Mar 25Halftime Hangout @1pm
West End
- Weds Mar 4Wake & Glaze @10am
- Thurs Mar 12Spring into Brunch @11am
- Thurs Mar 26Sweet Sixteen Social @1pm
Eastside
- Tues Mar 3Breakfast Burrito Bar @10am
- Weds Mar 18Mochi Donuts @10am
Pearl
- Tues Mar 3Pi Noon Pizza Party @12pm
- Tues Mar 17St. Patty’s Snacks @11am
- Tues Mar 24Lighten Up! Equinox Breakfast Bar @10am
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Upcoming Events in Portland
Here are some links to events happening around town this month, including Women History Month events, that we think are worth your time.
- Mar 5-14Biamp Portland Jazz Festival
Come out and support the Biamp Portland Jazz Festival, a citywide celebration featuring legendary artists and rising local talent.
- Mar 7She Brew Festival
A celebration of women in the craft beer and cider world, featuring brewers, tastings, and proceeds supporting the Human Rights Campaign.
- Mar 8Celebration of Impact
Join Xcelerate to celebrate WHM and the launch of their 2025 Annual Impact Report. The event will spotlight women business owners featured in the report, offering attendees the opportunity to meet and network with them and other empowering women in the community.
- Mar 11-21Mundo de las Mujeres 2026
Come out for this multi‑event showcase celebrating women through staged readings, art gallery exhibitions, and performances at Milagro Theatre and El Zócalo.
- Mar 19Interface Portland 2026
A conference focused on cybersecurity, information security, and AI, featuring expert speakers discussing the future of cybersecurity, threat mitigation, and governance strategies. Ideal for anyone in tech and/or security fields.
- Mar 19Elevate Women’s Summit
This is a signature event celebrating women professionals with networking, presentation of the State of Working Women report, and a panel discussion with brunch and insights from regional women leaders.
Los Angeles & South Bay
Downtown LA
- Weds Mar 11High tea + Mahjong @2pm
- Weds Mar 18** March Madness Social @2pm
- Weds Mar 25Women’s Month Spread @3pm
South Bay
- Tues Mar 3Crafted by Her @2pm
- Tues Mar 10Pi Day Pie-rty @2pm
- Tues Mar 17Shamrock Spread @2pm
- Thurs Mar 19Yoga @ CENTRL @2pm
- Tues Mar 24March Madness @2pm
- Tues March 31Blossom & Bubbly Spring Social @2pm
South Bay II
- Weds Mar 4“Slurp’s Up” Ramen Bar @12pm
- Weds Mar 11Brunch of Champions @9
- Weds Mar 18Luck of the Irish Mixer @1pm
- Weds Mar 25Meat + Greet DIY Sandwiches @12pm
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Upcoming Events in Los Angeles
Here are some links to events happening around LA this month, including Women History Month events, that we think are worth your time.
- March 4-25Women Wednesday Film Festival
Every Wednesday in March, join the American Cinematheque for Women Wednesday, a special film series celebrating WHM with screenings and filmmaker Q&As that spotlight new and exciting work from women directors across genres.
- Mar 8HERstory 2026
Come check out this celebration of WHM presented by the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, highlighting women’s contributions to art, culture, and society through performances and community engagement.
- Mar 19A Woman’s Place: Framing the Future
Experience a juried art show at The Ebell of Los Angeles celebrating women’s stories and visions, with an awards presentation honoring standout artists.
- Mar 252026 Los Angeles Design Connect
Debuting at Rolling Greens DTLA, LA Design Connect: Fresh Perspective is a premier industry gathering showcasing the latest in commercial interior furniture, materials, and expansive solutions for the built environment.
- Mar 272026 Leadership Summit
This is a high-impact gathering for emerging and established leaders at the USC’s Ronald Tutor Campus Center (University Park).
San Francisco – North Waterfront
San Francisco - North Waterfront
- Mon Mar 2Green Eggs & Morning Bites Breakfast Bar @10am
- Mon Mar 9Spring Forward Coffee & Energy Bar @10am
- Tues Mar 17Lucky to Work Here: St. Patrick’s Treat Bar @2pm
- Fri Mar 20Spring Refresh Breakfast Social @10am
You May Also Like
Upcoming Events in San Francisco
Here are some links to events happening around town this month, including Women History Month events, that we think are worth your time.
- Mar 1-31Women In Math at the Exploratorium
This March, the Exploratorium celebrates WHM by highlighting the vital contributions of women to the field of mathematics—from the pioneering work of Ada Lovelace to the groundbreaking achievements of Maryam Mirzakhani, the first female Fields Medalist.
- Mar 3-31
Women Rule The Wall s. This juried exhibition at the San Francisco Women Artists gallery showcases artwork by local women creators, featuring a range of 2D and 3D pieces that celebrate creative expression and women’s voices in art, with a public reception highlighting selected works.
- Mar 7Chinese New Year Parade & Festival
Come out for the largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia. The grand parade takes place on March 7, followed by a community street fair in Chinatown all weekend featuring lion dancers, traditional art, and (yes) food.
- Mar 9-13Meet To Match
This is a high-level networking event at the Moscone Center designed for professionals and investors looking for strategic partnerships.
- Mar 13St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Bar Crawl 2026
Grab your green gear and join the city’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day party, hopping between bars, enjoying drink specials, DJs, and all the Irish‑inspired fun you can handle.
- Mar 19-2330th Anniversary Berlin & Beyond Film Festival
This is a major festival celebrating contemporary German and European cinema with screenings, premieres, and cultural programming across venues in San Francisco and Berkeley.
- Mar 24Women in Tech, Fintech & AI: Networking & Elevator Pitch Event
Connect with the women driving innovation in San Francisco’s tech scene! Whether you are a founder, an engineer, or an aspiring entrepreneur, come out to Upcider for an evening of high-impact networking and community building.
Downtown Sacramento
Downtown Sacramento
- Weds Mar 11Donut Hole A Dozen by Donut Time @10am
- Tues Mar 17Good Luck Shouts: Bacon & Brussels Sprouts @12pm
- Weds Mar 25The Paddy Don’t Stop Til I Walk In: Drunken Cauliflower Bites. @12pm
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Upcoming Events in Sacramento
Here are some links to events happening around town this month, including Women History Month events, that we think are worth your time.
- Mar 6Women in Data 2026 Gala
Celebrating a decade of data, diversity, and impact, this black-tie gala brings together data leaders, advocates, and changemakers from around the world to honor the progress that’s been made and the future that is being built.
- Mar 7Sacramento Women and Girls Festival
Come out for this free community festival at Sacramento City College with resources for health, education, and financial empowerment.
- Mar 12Celebrating Sacramento Women
A community event at the Sacramento History Museum highlighting contributions of women in Sacramento’s history and culture.
- Mar 25Strategic Storytelling
Connect with middle‑market professionals and learn how to craft compelling narratives for pitches and growth at this panel and networking event hosted at the Sac State Alumni Center.
- Mar 27-29Femme Fest 2026
Celebrate WHM with live music, local vendors, and vibrant culture at DNL Studio Solutions, supporting women and the Wellspring Women’s Center.
Seattle – Capitol Hill
Seattle - Capitol Hill
- Thurs Mar 5** Spring Forward Snack Bar @10am
- Tues Mar 10Pi(e) Day @2pm
- Weds Mar 18Saint Patrick’s Day Stoup Happy Hour @4pm
- Weds Mar 25CENTRL YOGA @4pm
You May Also Like
Upcoming Events in Seattle
Here are some links to events happening around town this month, including Women History Month events, that we think are worth your time.
- Mar 5-8Emerald City Comic Con
Ready to meet your heroes? This annual four-day event brings together celebrities, comic creators, authors, and fans from around the world for panels and cosplay at the Seattle Convention Center.
- Mar 72026 Seattle Women’s Day: Be That Woman
Come out to support this powerful gathering at McKinley Hall dedicated to celebrating and empowering women through community connection and inspirational speakers.
- Mar 14-15Irish Festival Seattle
Part of the Seattle Center Festál series, this festival celebrates Irish heritage in the Pacific Northwest with traditional music, step-dancing, art exhibits, and genealogy workshops.
- Mar 21Post Alley Film Festival at SIFF Film Center
Celebrate women’s voices in cinema at this one‑day festival featuring diverse short films from around the world, all by or centered on women filmmakers, with screenings and storytelling that highlight creativity and shared perspectives.
- Mar 21Voices & Vibes: NAAIA Seattle Third Saturday Social
Connect, mingle, and enjoy community with fellow NAAIA Seattle members at this monthly social while supporting local businesses.
The Team
Member Spotlight
Oana Olteanu is the Managing Director and Founder of Motive Force, a pre-seed and seed investment firm backing founders with the internal drive to sustain momentum through uncertainty. Based out of our new San Francisco North Waterfront location, Oana brings a rare blend of technical fluency and investor instincts to the work of finding and supporting exceptional builders.
When she’s not meeting with founders, she keeps an open door for engineers and entrepreneurs who want to talk design, beautiful software, and, notably, tanks.
What’s Motive Force all about?
Motive Force is a pre-seed and seed investment firm dedicated to founders with high “motive force,” the internal drive that sustains motion through uncertainty. We invest in “beautiful software,” where code architecture mirrors user intent so cleanly that complexity disappears.
What’s the mission?
Our mission is to replace social signaling with craft, investing in software designed to amplify human agency in unprecedented ways.
How did you get into venture capital?
Truthfully, I got into VC to secure my Green Card. But my time at a top-tier firm revealed a beautiful marriage between my technical roots in Computer Science and the humbling work of being in service of entrepreneurs.
What works for you about CENTRL?
The location is ideal for walks with founders. There’s a lot of greenery on Telegraph Hill, and Butter & Crumble, the best bakery, is five minutes away. I love the interior design; people pay attention to detail. The people are great, and bonus points for the cuddly office dog.
Any books or media that have inspired your work?
The Art of Atari by Tim Lapetino.
Follow Oana Online
Website: motiveforce.ai
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/olteanuoana
X: @oanaolt
Our Values
Working Better
In Do You Have a Competence Hangover?, Emma Beddington examines the often invisible labor women take on in the workplace, from emotional management to extra administrative tasks, and how consistently being the “competent one” can quietly lead to burnout.
We think it’s a sharp, relatable look at how expectations still fall unevenly at work, and why meaningful cultural change starts with recognizing and redistributing that hidden labor.
Benefits
Refer a Friend
Love CENTRL? Tell your friends! Refer a friend and they’ll get a free week trial of our FLEX Plus membership and you’ll get a referral credit for your introduction!
Please send any questions or referrals to work@centrloffice.com.
That’s a Wrap!
You made it!
Spring is here, and so is the community we’re building together. If you’ve got thoughts or feedback, send us a note anytime. We always want to hear from you.
See you around the space!
Have any questions?
We're here for you! Send us a note about anything and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
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