Nivetha Ketheeswaran

Cofounder & Chief Programming Officer

Tell us about yourself.

My love for stories, telling and hearing them, began as a child when I learned dance (Bharathanatyam) and told stories of the Gods. I began to see stories everywhere. In the Sri Lankan Tamil foods my mother would cook me, in strangers around my small Floridian town. As I grew older, I began to see what stories were missing as well—what stories I had to work harder to find. The desire to find stories that reflected my life and to learn of new stories my life had never touched fuels my passion and work. I have a Ph.D. in Communication from University of South Florida. My research explored resistance, resilience, storytelling, and organizing in South Asian diasporic dance communities, particularly Bharatanatyam communities. I have also worked as a teacher at the University of South Florida. I love painting, films, astronomy, romance novels, the ocean, and trying everything new - food and experiences!

What motivates you to be part of the Banyan Tree?

After many experiences of isolation, I have learned that community is lifesaving. Stories and histories bind us together far more than they separate us. I am motivated by the belief that fostering connections with intention can liberate us. It is empowering to work with those who share that belief.

If you could be a potato, how would you be prepared?

I would want to be a messy baked potato filled to the brim with spices, sour cream, cheese, and any other tasty ingredient that wants to join the party.

We asked our team, “What is Niv’s superpower?” Here’s what one person said.

“Niv is the most emotionally intelligent person I have ever met. She has the ability to make every person in front of her feel heard, truly listened to, and cherished. She brings this skill to her curriculum and teaching practice by deeply understanding what a specific person or group needs, and creating experiences that generate profound joy and hope.”