Alumni Spotlight: Karishma Sharma ’16

Karishma Sharma’s journey from a student at the University of Washington Bothell School of Business to her position at Microsoft is a testament to the transformative power of a business education. As a proud alumna of UW Bothell’s School of Business, Karishma has achieved remarkable milestones in her career, currently serving as a Windows 365 Global Blackbelt at Microsoft. 

A Career of Growth and Achievement 

Karishma’s career at Microsoft began with a role as a Cloud Solution Sales Specialist, where her dedication and exceptional skills quickly stood out. Her ability to navigate the complexities of cloud solutions and her commitment to excellence propelled her to the position of Cloud Transformational Specialist. In this role, Karishma led impactful projects, driving digital transformation initiatives and working closely with clients to leverage cloud technologies effectively. Today, as a Windows 365 Global Blackbelt, Karishma continues to serve as an industry expert. Among her numerous accolades, Karishma has received the Customer Impact Award and the Q3 Top Speaker Award in 2022, highlighting her exceptional contributions to Microsoft’s success. 

“Reflecting on my journey, I vividly recall how UWB has profoundly influenced my life. The innovative teaching styles, the vibrant campus engagement opportunities, and the supportive community were pivotal in launching my career. My experiences ranged from contributing at the on-campus housing to being one of the first fitness instructors at the ARC. These roles, coupled with the knowledge and insights gained from my business degree, have been instrumental in shaping me into the individual I am today. I owe a debt of gratitude to UWB for its significant role in my personal and professional development.”

Giving Back Through Mentorship 

Beyond her professional achievements, Karishma is passionate about giving back to the community that helped shape her career. She is a dedicated mentor in the UW Bothell School of Business’s Mentorship EDGE program. This program empowers students to transform their lives and careers through personalized mentoring with exceptional business leaders. Karishma helps students learn to effectively present themselves in interviews, identify career pathways, overcome setbacks, and confidently step into the next chapter of their professional journeys.  

Karishma and her mentee, Angelina Lee, at the 2024 School of Business (un)GALA

Join us in celebrating Karishma Sharma’s incredible journey and her contributions to the UW Bothell community and beyond. Her story is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.