We sat down with them to talk about what Greek Sing means to them, the changes shaping this year’s event, and the legacy they hope to leave behind.
A Tradition That Builds Community
For both Karishma and Sarah, Greek Sing represents something bigger than just a show.“Greek Sing was one of the reasons I wanted to join the FSL community at CMU,” Karishma shared. “Music and theater have always been a huge part of my life, and I loved how Greek Sing is competitive, but also unserious in the best way.” That balance - passion without pressure - is what makes the event special. “It really reflects who we are as a community,” she added. “We’re all overachievers, but in a way that’s fun and collaborative.”
Sarah echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the relationships and impact behind the production. “Greek Sing offers a unique opportunity to engage with our community through partners like Cancer Bridges while creating a fun theatrical experience,” she said. “It’s meant meeting incredible people across chapters and through our philanthropy. Being trusted with this role means everything to me.”
Big Changes, Bigger Impact
This year’s Greek Sing introduces several exciting changes both on and off the stage.For Karishma, one of the most exciting shifts is bringing the show closer to home. “Having the show on campus makes it more accessible and brings more of our community together,” she said. With more stage space and greater control over logistics, the team is also aiming for a smoother, more polished production. And for the first time, Greek Sing merch will be available - something both chairs are eager to see come to life.
For Sarah, the most meaningful changes center around philanthropy. “We’ve made a conscious shift toward emphasizing fundraising,” she explained. “One of the biggest updates is incorporating fundraising into the scoring process.” In addition, the team has been working closely with Cancer Bridges and even bringing them to campus to connect directly with students.
Partnering with Cancer Bridges
At the heart of this year’s Greek Sing is its new philanthropic partner: Cancer Bridges.“Like our previous charity, Camp Kesem, Cancer Bridges supports families impacted by cancer,” Karishma explained. “But what’s unique is their long-term, smaller-scale approach working closely with patients and families.”
Sarah had the opportunity to experience that impact firsthand. “I visited their main facility and spoke with both staff and community members,” she said. “The environment they’ve created is one of inclusivity and support, which is truly inspiring.”
Cancer Bridges provides free programming for anyone affected by cancer, whether directly or through a loved one, offering everything from creative activities to support groups. Their children’s and teens camps provide an outlet for those with cancer or with those whose family members have cancer. They get access to not only one-on-one counseling, but camp traditions, art projects, and community partnerships through this summer experience. “I’m so honored to be working with an organization like this,” Sarah added. “Their work is incredibly important.”
Creating a More Inclusive Experience
With so many chapters involved, ensuring Greek Sing feels accessible and fair to everyone has been a major priority. Karishma highlighted efforts to reduce financial and logistical barriers. “We’ve been working with chapters to determine fair entrance fees, helping them find rehearsal spaces, and making sure there’s space for feedback,” she said. “We want every chapter to be able to put on the show they envision.”Sarah emphasized transparency and trust as key components of inclusivity. “We’ve reduced fines and increased communication by sharing regular board meeting notes,” she explained. “Our goal is to create an environment where chapters feel they have a voice in how Greek Sing is run, rather than feeling like decisions are imposed on them.” Together, these efforts aim to strike a balance between healthy competition and a supportive, community-driven atmosphere.
Looking Ahead: Defining Success
As they approach the end of their term, both chairs are thinking about the legacy they hope to leave behind.For Karishma, success is both tangible and emotional. “Of course, we want to see strong ticket sales and end with a surplus,” she said. “But more importantly, I want chapters to walk away with a positive experience and feel proud of what they created.” She also hopes to see stronger collaboration between chapters and future boards. “As a senior, my biggest hope is that we maintain the passion and support that make Greek Sing so special.”
Sarah’s vision focuses on sustainability and impact. “I hope future boards have an easier time transitioning and that we continue building a community-based approach,” she said. “Ultimately, my main goal is to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Bridges and to connect more people with the resources they provide.”
Together, Karishma and Sarah are not just leading Greek Sing - they’re reshaping it. With a renewed emphasis on accessibility, transparency, and meaningful impact, this year’s show promises to be more than just a performance. It’s a reflection of a community coming together to create, compete, and give back.
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