Ariel Wade, Sales Manager at PadSplit, stands out for her inspiring journey that fuels her passion for the company’s mission. She originally joined PadSplit in 2021 and brings a personal connection to the company that goes beyond a job title.
After interviewing with PadSplit, she was inspired by the team’s resolute attitude and commitment to helping low-income earners secure affordable housing.
She immediately called her mother, saying, “Yep, I’m working at PadSplit. If they say no, I’m going to fight my way in.”
Escaping from Cuba
Ariel’s story begins with her family’s escape from Cuba, where her mother spent time in jail as a child and fled the country at the age of 10. Her mother found refuge in a camp in Miami, Florida. During this time, Ariel’s father and uncle also attempted to escape from Cuba but were caught. This led to over a decade spent behind bars.
When they arrived in the U.S., Ariel’s mother and aunt shared a one-bedroom apartment with their children. They began working toward becoming college-educated. After being released from jail, her father successfully fled to the U.S., meeting her mother in Miami.
After relocating to Utah, Ariel’s family began opening their doors to refugees. This commitment to helping others extended beyond just housing; it became a lifeline for those seeking a fresh start. From hosting a famous Cuban pianist to helping families find work cleaning homes to establish stability, Ariel was raised with the belief in giving back and providing people with a chance for a new beginning.
Ariel’s childhood sparks her passion for PadSplit
Ariel’s family continued to host people throughout her childhood, even building a larger house to accommodate more individuals. They also engaged in fundraising and resource creation for immigrant families. This commitment to community echoes Ariel’s perspective on coliving as a means to eliminate barriers for people striving to overcome generational poverty or immigration challenges.
“When I found out about PadSplit, obviously, I was intrigued because of how I was raised. It’s a really important part of my childhood and belief system,” says Ariel.
On challenging days, Ariel draws motivation from PadSplit’s member stories, reinforcing the positive impact the platform has on people’s lives.
”You don’t have to be an immigrant or someone in a desperate position to use PadSplit. What PadSplit is doing is eliminating geographic barriers for people to get a fresh start,” says Ariel.
“It’s eliminating barriers for people to get the job that they want because the job is in the city they can’t afford to live in or advance past generational poverty, to advance past immigration. At baseline, we’re removing barriers.”
Coliving provides a network of support
Ariel envisions the future of PadSplit as the net standard of coliving, where it becomes a mainstream option for those looking to save money. She sees a world where coliving is not synonymous with subliving. She believes it will become a standard choice that fosters a sense of community and shared growth.
As Ariel continues to contribute to PadSplit’s mission, her personal history serves as a testament to the transformative power of community. It shows the profound impact that coliving can have on individuals from all walks of life.
“Nobody survives without a community. If you look around the world, coliving is normal. That’s where communities get established. It’s not healthy for people to be siloed into a place without support or human connection.”
