Hello, I’m Sara Vergari, Community Strategist. I help create strong, engaged communities. For me, the power of community has never been just two words. It’s that invisible thread that connects us to something bigger, makes us feel at home even in new places, and reminds us that we don’t have to walk this path alone. Over the last few years, I’ve been lucky to experience community in so many different shapes. Traveling with Hacker Paradise, living and working in coliving and coworking spaces across Asia, South America, and Europe. Each of these experiences left me with lessons about connection, collaboration, and growth that I still carry with me today.
Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky to experience community in many different forms — traveling with Hacker Paradise, and living and working in coliving and coworking spaces across Asia, South America, and Europe. Each of these experiences has taught me valuable lessons about connection, collaboration, and growth that I still carry with me today.
Traveling with Hacker Paradise: Building Bonds on the Move
I spent almost three years traveling and working with Hacker Paradise, a community of digital nomads exploring the world together while working remotely. We moved between continents: Asia, South America, Europe, but the places that truly stayed with me were Bali and Koh Phangan.
What made this kind of community special was the people. Every week, new faces would arrive, each one bringing a story, a perspective, or a skill that enriched the group. I loved discovering new cultures, learning from others, and creating plans together (sometimes when you travel alone, it is not always easy). With a group, everything felt lighter: sharing adventures, exploring, and building memories together.
Of course, there were challenges too. The hardest part was always saying goodbye. Just when you’d grown close to someone, it was already time for them to leave. I remember moments when I cried, not knowing if I’d ever see some of these people again. But at the same time, those intense connections didn’t just disappear. I’m still in touch with many of them, and some of the friendships I made on the road have lasted for years.
Living and Working in Coliving & Coworking Spaces
During my time with Hacker Paradise, many of our programs were hosted in coliving and coworking spaces. They weren’t just places to sleep or work, they became the heart of our experience, spaces where creativity, collaboration, and human connection happened naturally.
Some of the ones that shaped me the most were Outpost in Bali and Sri Lanka, both by the sea, where workdays were mixed with sunsets and surf. Then there was the Château in Normandy, a beautiful historic property turned into a coliving space that felt both inspiring and intimate. Being in these environments taught me so much more than just professional skills. Working side by side with people from such different backgrounds gave me discipline, inspiration, and an expanded network. The energy was contagious: when you’re surrounded by people chasing their dreams, it pushes you to keep going after yours. At the same time, it created friendships and collaborations that felt genuine and lasting.
One moment that always comes to mind is from Sri Lanka. Two people who had just met at Outpost started spending time together in the coworking space and ended up launching a project together. Watching how a simple encounter could turn into a real collaboration reminded me of why these spaces are so powerful: they create opportunities for connection that go way beyond work.
Why Community Matters
Community has always been important to me because it speaks to one of our most basic human needs: belonging. Being part of something bigger means you don’t feel alone. It means you have people to share life with, to organize things together, to learn from. And for me, the best part is that: you never stop learning. Every person you meet has something to teach you, if you’re willing to listen and explore.
Looking back on all these experiences, from traveling with nomads to living in coworking hubs, one lesson is clear: growth happens when we connect.
Final Reflections
Communities come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they’re temporary, like the groups you meet on the road. Other times they’re professional, like coworking networks. And sometimes, they become a stable part of your daily life. The form might change, but the essence stays the same: connection, support, and growth.
Being part of different communities has taught me that life is so much richer when it’s shared. It’s shown me the beauty of diversity, the strength of collaboration, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel at home.
And today, as I keep exploring both as a member and as someone who builds communities, I carry with me one simple truth: step outside, connect, and explore, because there’s always something to learn from everyone.
If you run a coliving or coworking space and need to build or strengthen your community, we can support you with strategy and implementation. Let’s talk.
