Work of VisualizingEconomics.com Founder and Author Catherine Mulbrandon Gains International Recognition

In its November issue, the Harvard Business Review (HBR) will feature the work of Catherine Mulbrandon, author and founder of VisualizingEconomics.com. Mulbrandon, a resident of Jersey City, publishes easy-to-understand infographics and data pertaining to the U.S. economy. She is a member of Mission 50 Workspaces in Hoboken, the area's leading coworking community.

Each issue of the internationally respected HBR includes a "Vision Statement," a data visualization and analysis about a specific topic. In its upcoming issue, the "Vision Statement" centers on data graphics from Mulbrandon's recent book "An Illustrated Guide to Income in the United States," which is a collection of infographics, maps and charts that examines America's history of incomes and occupations.

Mulbrandon's book and website are also referenced in HBR's October issue in an article by Scott Berinato, an editor with the publication. "I have enjoyed creating economic data visualizations since grad school and am thrilled my work is being published in the Harvard Business Review," said Mulbrandon.

A Place to Work, Connect and Collaborate

Although freelancer Mulbrandon works alone, she has more than 160 coworkers. At Mission 50, independent professionals who might otherwise be isolated in home offices and crowded coffee shops have discovered a place to work, connect and collaborate.

"It was very difficult for me to focus while working from home, the library or coffee shops. I heard about coworking and spent almost one year looking at spaces in Manhattan, but the cost always was out of my price range. When I heard about Mission 50 opening in Hudson County, I was among the first to visit the space," added Mulbrandon, who arva has been a Mission 50 member since September 2011.

In an increasingly entrepreneurial world in which more people find themselves trying to build businesses on their own, Mission 50 provides not only an office space, but a vibrant community where members find the help, advice and tools they need to grow professionally and personally. At Mission 50, the atmosphere is one of cooperation rather than competition.

"One of the biggest benefits to my membership at Mission 50 is the sense of community I have found," said Mulbrandon. "Talking to other members about their projects or simply discussing current events is something I didn't realize I would miss after leaving a traditional office job. At Mission 50, I have forged new business relationships and met many interesting people."

Besides the social aspect, coworking brings plenty of opportunities for collaboration. In Mission 50's dynamic environment, Mulbrandon has connected with professionals such as David Snidero, formally of Worthy Shorts, a private-label book publisher. Snidero was instrumental in helping Mulbrandon digitally publish her book, "An Illustrated Guide to Income in the United States."

Located in the penthouse of the multi-tenanted, 80,000-square-foot Hoboken Business Center, Mission 50 is a shared work environment for independent professionals, entrepreneurs and small businesses. Members are provided with daily to monthly leasing options and a choice of private and shared workspaces. Amenities include laptop-ready desks with Internet connectivity; virtual mailing addresses; print, copy, scan and fax capabilities; and three soundproof phone booths. Mission 50 also hosts networking events and professional development workshops presented by members as well outside speakers and organizations.

"Through the years, I held traditional jobs in the finance and education industries, and started my website as a side project. Interest grew in my work and eventually I was approached about different freelance jobs. I didn't set out to create VisualizingEconomics.com with the intent of being a startup founder. This was something I loved doing; and from that, different opportunities were born."