By Dani Rubin, Owner, Pilates Blast and Isla Rubin, Vice President, WEforum, Wise UP: Teen Advocacy Group (mother and daughter duo)
Found in the heart of Red Bank, New Jersey, Pilates Blast is more than just a fitness studio— it’s a thriving community built on wellness, empowerment, and connection. Over the years, we’ve evolved from offering Pilates classes to becoming a hub for transformative partnerships and inspiring initiatives. Our work with WEforum and the recent introduction of my teenage daughter to the WEforum Wise Up: Teen Advocacy Group are shining examples of this mission. We focus on helping our clients achieve balance, strength, and mindfulness, empowering them to take control of their health and well-being.
Our goals stretch beyond the walls of the studio. We believe in giving back and uplifting others. This belief has led us to align with organizations that share our passion for community health and empowerment, like WEforum. Our collaboration with WEforum has been an incredible journey of growth and shared purpose. WEforum’s mission to educate and empower communities on health and wellness resonates deeply with our own. Together, we’ve hosted workshops, participated in events, and supported initiatives that bring health education and resources to the wider community. From hosting Pilates classes at community wellness events to contributing to educational programs on the importance of movement, our partnership with WEforum has enabled us to make a meaningful difference. It’s a reminder that wellness is not just an individual journey but a collective effort.
WEforum’s Wise Up: Teen Advocacy Group fosters leadership, emotional intelligence, and resilience in teenagers—values I see reflected in my daughter’s journey. Watching her grow through this program has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the power of investing in our youth, who are the leaders of tomorrow and active contributors to positive change today. The connection between my work, our Pilates community, and my daughter’s involvement in the WEforum Wise Up: Teen Advocacy Group is a beautiful reflection of our holistic approach to wellness and empowerment. It’s about creating a ripple effect: when one person is uplifted, they have the power to inspire others. As a family, we’re passionate about supporting each other’s growth and finding ways to give back. Introducing my daughter to the Wise Up: Teen Advocacy Group adds a personal dimension to our mission, demonstrating that empowerment starts at home and extends outward.
Isla Rubin’s Perspective
Growing up watching my mom taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my life: with a strong work ethic and dedication, anything is possible. Even when things were difficult, she always found a way to persevere. Her determination to succeed wasn’t just about growing a business—but about creating a life for us. But what makes her even more remarkable is how, amidst the long hours and hard work, she always found time to give back to our community. Her passion for helping others matched my mom’s dedication to her business. She has always been deeply involved in our community, volunteering as a court-appointed advocate for foster children and working with organizations like WEforum.
Growing up, I often tagged along with her to WEforum events, where I was introduced to their Wise Up: Teen Advocacy Group. I remember sitting in on presentations and seeing other kids my age being empowered to make a difference. Those moments stuck with me. I admired how my mom managed to balance so many responsibilities while still finding time to help others. She instilled in me the importance of giving back and being an active part of the community. I knew that I wanted to follow in her footsteps when I was old enough, and become involved with WEforum.
For the past three years, I’ve been proud to be a part of Wise Up: Teen Advocacy Group, WEforum’s initiative to educate and empower youth in our community. This year, I’m honored to serve as co-president of the group. Being a part of Wise Up Teen has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Working alongside other teens and community leaders has taught me so much—not just about teamwork and leadership but also about the value of creating positive change. We’ve tackled important topics ranging from mental health to healthy living, and I’ve loved being able to contribute to such meaningful conversations. My involvement with Wise Up Teen and my mom’s example have both played a huge role in shaping my aspirations. I’ve always been passionate about helping others, and I’m excited to take that passion into my future career as an Occupational Therapist specializing in pediatrics!
