Charli and I met in college. She’s the kind of person everyone gravitates toward. Her smile fills a room and her positivity is contagious. Life isn’t perfect and there are days that get everyone down. But Charli has a way of always seeing the good in others, encouraging them and uplifting them, even if they don’t always deserve it. She inspires me to be a little kinder, judge a little less, and love a little more every single day.

I met Charli in college when my roommate convinced me to join the Gospel Choir and I nervously stood in the back.  Charli is a confident and strong singer, but she would turn around and ask me to sing the alto part over again because she knew I had it right. I started to grow my confidence in singing from there. Charli also taught me to be a better leader, in that sometimes it’s about highlighting what people can do well and planting seeds of confidence with them. Building each other up goes a long way, even if it seems like such a small moment.

Charli is a truly unique gift to this planet.  Her heart is so big and her ability to have the strength and softness interwoven gives her the ability to connect with so many people.  Always open to listening to a different perspective and willing to expand her view on any and all things. I love and appreciate how she seeks wisdom humbly and also shares wisdom confidently.  She has helped me approach life lightly and playfully, with more joy and excitement. It’s her energy that is so contagious!