Water holds so much of our well-being - we drink it, we are made of it. When we are embraced in it, we are weightless and released from the grip of stress. Water, in all its forms, is not merely a resource; it is a source of freedom and spiritual nourishment, grounding us in the essence of life itself. Charis is Miss Mermaid Missouri 2021-2023. Her platform is inspiring humans of all ages to embrace the wonders of the water, promoting representation in aquatic activity, and making a positive splash in communities.

Charis obtained her Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance at Washington University in St. Louis in 2022 and is an alumna of the University's Olin Women's Fellowship. Her process is centered in her experience in Black dances of the Americas. The power and grace found in social music and dances like samba, salsa, jazz, cumbia, and bomba bring people together, heal personal wounds, and enable communities to stand strong and make change.

Charis' philosophy centers on contextualizing art within historical, social, political, racial, and gender frameworks, prioritizing primary and secondary sources as well as the experiences of the marginalized. Applied to dance performance, this approach involves understanding choreography as a cultural expression, appreciating its historical evolution, and critically examining the societal influences on movement. By spotlighting the narratives of marginalized groups through dance, Charis' philosophy seeks to amplify diverse voices, fostering a more inclusive and socially conscious performance art landscape.