Karishma Sheth Named to the SWB Board of Directors

Soccer Without Borders (SWB) is thrilled to welcome Karishma Sheth to our Board of Directors! As Chief Program Officer at EveryMind  – an organization on a mission to strengthen communities and empower individuals to reach optimal mental wellness – Karishma brings 20 years of experience in mental health, youth development, and crisis intervention.  

EveryMind’s comprehensive service model is designed to meet the diverse needs of their community through four core services: 24/7 Call, Text and Chat Services; Counseling and Mentorship; Case Management and Care Coordination; and Evidence-Based Mental Health Education. This holistic approach to mental health aligns perfectly with SWB’s whole-person approach to youth development, utilizing programs to help young people come into a greater understanding of their bodies, minds, and voices.  

As a first-generation Indian American, Karishma understands the power of sports to create a sense of belonging. Soccer has played a pivotal role in her life by offering connection and community—a sense of purpose she hopes to foster within SWB’s programs. 

As we welcome Karishma, we asked her to share her reflections on joining SWB’s board and her personal connection to our mission:

Can you describe your personal connection to soccer or with SWB’s mission specifically?

"First and foremost, I love sports," she shares, explaining that her passion for athletics started with tennis, a game she played with her father. "In high school, I joined the soccer team, which was my first experience with a team sport. That experience built my love for connection and teamwork.”

She reflects further on the significance of sports: "Being on a team taught me the power of community. No matter who you are or where you come from, sports bring people together across differences, and that is the space SWB provides—a place for connection and belonging."

What inspires you to be a part of SWB?

"Supporting youth of color, especially immigrant and refugee youth, is incredibly meaningful to me,” she notes. "These youth face unique, complex challenges, from adjusting to a new culture to managing academic pressures. At SWB, they not only receive support for those challenges but also gain a sense of community and empowerment through soccer."

Karishma emphasizes her commitment to nurturing the next generation: "We have to empower young people and ensure they have access to trusted, caring adults who can help them thrive. They are our future, and organizations like SWB provide the foundational support they need."

What are you most looking forward to about joining the Board of Directors?

"I’m thrilled to support and strengthen SWB’s mission, especially as the organization continues to grow," she says. "I’m also looking forward to collaborating with other board members, each of whom brings a wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives. Even though we come from diverse backgrounds, we are united in our commitment to SWB’s purpose."

She also expresses enthusiasm about working closely with the SWB staff, many of whom work directly with youth on a daily basis. “Having worked with programmatic staff at EveryMind, I know how crucial that ‘boots-on-the-ground’ perspective is to making a meaningful impact, and I’m excited to bring that same passion to SWB."

Welcome, Karishma! We’re glad you’re here!