Sharmin Knight
Building a community space that can create a healthy population
Sharmin Knight has been a neighbor of the Prep since 2010, when she purchased her first home. A community-minded individual with an eye on public health, Ms. Knight opened Sweat Cycle Studio, a community/neighborhood-based space that can create a healthy population. It will be a minimal cost for those in the 19121-zip code and all others will have a standard rate per class.
How did your relationship with the Prep begin?
My relationship with The Prep began 15 years ago when my son became a student at the Gesu School. The relationship matured with picking up food that the Prep was giving out; as a member of the Thompson Street block committee, I was responsible for dropping off the food to the elderly and sick in the community. Within the past 2 years, I have participated in a variety of events there. Overall, The Prep is my neighbor, so keeping communication open, engaging, and helping each other has been the bond.
What were you looking for and how was the Prep a good partner?
I want to get the community healthy. I wanted to give back, but it still needed to be profitable. The Prep affords me the opportunity to do those things while utilizing a property that was unused. (Vice President for Finance) JP Aylmer was very responsive when I gave my proposal of what I envisioned this old garage to be. While small, it will allow one-hour spin classes on 15 cycles, four days a week. The Prep is a good partner because we mirror the same mission.
In what ways has the Prep's presence been a benefit?
The Prep’s presence in the community has been a benefit to the people’s needs (for example, food insecurities). Giving out fruits and vegetables and Thanksgiving baskets has changed lives.
