Rising Above: A Journey of Resilience, Opportunity, and Social Change

Kareem Rosser, an SCH parent, is an award-winning author, polo champion, and a passionate philanthropist whose journey of resilience and transformation sets him apart as a true leader and community advocate.

From his breakthrough in polo to the transformative power of education, Kareem’s story is a testament to how resilience and saying “yes” to new opportunities can pave the way for personal success and societal impact.

An award-winning author, polo champion, and passionate philanthropist, Kareem’s journey of resilience and transformation sets him apart as a true leader in both sports and community advocacy. From his childhood in Philadelphia’s Bottom neighborhood to leading both his Work to Ride team in high school and the Colorado State University team to national polo victories, Kareem’s narrative is one of surmounting adversity, confronting grief, and embracing love in its many forms. His first memoir, Crossing the Line, takes us through those remarkable yet confusing early years, as he navigated the stark contrast between his home and family life and the world of polo and ponies. In his second memoir, When You’re Ready: A Love Story, he writes about the power of overcoming tragedy, proving that with determination, love, and mental well-being, anything is possible. Rosser is this year’s SCH Dempsey Writer in Residence.

As executive vice president of Work to Ride and co-founder of the Philadelphia Polo Classic, Kareem is a driving force for change, inspiring and uplifting underserved communities through impactful initiatives such as the Lee Lee Jones Patient Assistance Endowment and his work with Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital.

Kareem’s brand is defined by the belief that the most powerful victories happen off the field, in the heart and mind, and he continues to create a legacy of hope, resilience, and profound social impact.