Meet Dana Dojnik of The LOLA

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Meet Dana Dojnik, CEO of the local women's community workplace, The LOLA! The LOLA is located on North Ave, just near Ponce City Market. Dana took the reigns as CEO in 2023 and we are thrilled for you to meet her. Read our interview with Dana below to learn more about her and all that The LOLA offers–and make sure to get your tickets here to their Third Friday event on 4/25! G&G will be there with tastes of a meal kit. More info is below (including a discount). Hope to see you there!

1. Tell us about The LOLA! How and when did the space open?

The LOLA opened its doors in 2019 as a women-owned business committed to intentional inclusivity and creating a positive work environment for all women. It was founded by Eileen Lee and Martine Resnick with a vision to build a more equitable, inclusive environment where women could connect, grow, and thrive. 

 

Since then, The LOLA has become a trusted, inclusive community that fosters professional development, personal transformation and meaningful connection. There is an ebb and flow to each woman's life, and here at The LOLA, they are surrounded by support for their whole selves for every step of that journey.

2. How did you first get involved with The LOLA?

I met Eileen and Martine in 2018 when The LOLA was just a PPT and a spreadsheet. They were meeting with local women to understand their needs and what types of support they would want from a club built just for them. When we met, I was deep in the male-dominated tech space, and I didn't really think I needed a woman-only space.

Fast forward to 2022, I was exhausted after building another community-centered space in Southwest Atlanta amidst the pandemic, helping my parents each with different types of cancer and trying to keep two kids healthy. I was the poster child for the Sandwich Generation. Luckily in September, I ran into Eileen in our neighborhood, and by October 2022, I joined The LOLA as a Community Manager two days a week. Two days expanded to four as I added Growth Strategy and Marketing to the line-up. And after about 8 months of listening to our Members' understanding their needs and challenges, I finally asked if there was ever an opportunity to be a part of the leadership team as I was ready. In October of 2023, I was honored to become The LOLA's CEO. 

I’m deeply grateful to Eileen and Martine for believing in me and continuing to work alongside me—Eileen as Board Chair and Martine as an Advisory Board Member. It’s been an incredible journey of collaboration, inspiration, and shared purpose.

3. What is your favorite memory of the space and all the people you’ve come to know through the community?

There have been so many unforgettable moments, but what stands out most are the everyday stories of impact - watching members launch businesses, find purpose, start families and build lifelong friendships. Our Anniversary gatherings each year in July are always powerful - our legacy Members return and our Partners are there to celebrate - but it’s those quieter moments of connection and breakthrough that truly speak to the magic of The LOLA. Whenever I hear the words, 'Have you met {insert name}?' I know I'm witnessing the threshold of transformation because connection is where true growth begins.

4. What are a few of your favorite perks at The LOLA?

The energy of the space is unmatched—when women come together to lean into each other, incredible things happen. I love our wellness programs, skill-building workshops, and the intentional way we foster connection and belonging. Our partnerships with other women-led organizations like Garnish & Gather, SageD Collective, Gurl2Girl, Heyday and Glad & Young Studios add so much more for our Members to experience. 

 

But the real perk is being part of a community that believes in abundance, not competition. When women support women, a shift happens—a transformational ripple effect. This support fosters a culture of collaboration rather than competition, where each woman's achievements are not just celebrated but also serve as inspiration for others.

5. What does it mean to you to have a dedicated women’s co-working space in Atlanta?

It means having a space where women don’t have to shrink to fit. The LOLA is a place where we get to lead with our values, be bold and shape our culture. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Atlanta, it’s vital to have spaces that intentionally support women - especially those most underserved and underrepresented. A space where every woman can find her voice, her place and her power 

6. Can you tell us about some of the services and membership options offered at The LOLA?

We offer digital plus and in-person annual memberships [www.the-lola.com/membership], giving women access to community, programming and a beautiful space that was built for women, by women. Our services include business support, leadership development, wellness resources, peer mentorship, and exclusive events. Every offering is designed to uplift and center women’s success on their own terms. 

7. Do you have any events coming up that are open to the public?

Yes! Each month we host Third Fridays where not-yet-members can come and experience a day at The LOLA. Your Members can use code THIRDFRIDAYGG for $10/off - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-lola-25382898171

In the next few weeks, we’re kicking off our “Preserve Our Place, Power Our Future” fundraising campaign with a series of community events, storytelling features, and connection points throughout May and June. We’re also having a financial fitness summit May 13th and we will be participating in Atlanta Tech Week in June. All of this culminates at our Anniversary Party on July 12 for all donors and supporters. It’s a powerful time to get involved and see The LOLA in action. You can sign up for our newsletter here: https://the-lola.com/subscribe-to-our-email-list/ and always check our event page for the latest gatherings and happenings at The LOLA - https://thelola.my.canva.site/

If you are a LOLA Member, you can pick up your G&G orders from The LOLA on Mondays! Scroll down to 'View Employee & Resident Pick Up Locations' on this page and select The LOLA.