Nirmalpal Sachdev
Steamworks Baths
3246 North Halsted Street
How long have you worked with Steamworks Baths?
I am going into my tenth year this year. I actually began as the Director of Health Information and Education Programs. Steamworks has an arm of the company devoted to prevention, outreach and advocacy. In San Francisco, we worked directly with universities and researchers regarding MSM behaviors throughout all of the sites in North America.
Why did you choose to move to Chicago, specifically Boystown?
The management here didn’t have the same level of interaction with the community as I had in San Francisco, so we decided to make the General Manger role more integrated; overseeing not just operations, but the health/education, and marketing programs for the club.
How long have you been a part of the Northalsted Business Alliance?
We’ve been part of the Alliance since day one!
How long have you been a Board Member for the Alliance?
I have been a board member for six years. I love representing fellow businesses and being able to give back to the community. This city, and neighborhood, have adopted me, and I consider it my responsibility to promote positive change.
What are some of your favorite charities you work with?
I am a part of many charities. I am doing the Ride for AIDS again this year. Additionally, I am on the board for Test Post Aware Network. I have a special spot for TPAN because they resonate with me the most with their prevention and advocacy programming, as well as their grassroots approach with the community.
What is your favorite part of working in Boystown?
It’s not corporate. It’s a vibrant and constantly changing neighborhood. Growing up in San Francisco, there were always people fighting the good fight for a long time. When I first came here, people were still fighting for domestic partnership. When I arrived, and to this day, people remain entrenched in making change for the community. I feel like I am an active participant in that change, and it inspires me every day.
How do you exude pride everyday?
I kiss my fiancé everyday. He’s who I am proud of. I am so proud of our relationship and for how long we’ve been together (eight years this July). I look forward to marrying him in January!
What other businesses in Boystown do you frequent?
I like to go to Hydrate when they have special DJs in, I like going to Sidetrack when they have showtunes, and I love the videogames at Replay. Sometimes I like to hideout a bit at Little Jim’s for a quieter atmosphere.
What does the future of our community look?
I hope the future of our community is learning from our mistakes, never forgetting those lost to the HIV/AIDS crisis, and honoring their memories by giving back to others. It is our responsibility to try to make things better every single day.
What is something people don’t know about you?
I love to cook! I would love see a specialty spice store in our neighborhood. Being in the kitchen all the time, it would be amazing to head to a local farmer’s market, hit up the spice store, and cook a big dinner for my friends and family.
