As a beautiful and outstanding individual in this community, Charisse is more than what you can expect from just any remarkable citizen in Albuquerque. Throughout the years, she has shown continuous commitment to all of her family, friends, and to the rest of the community. Whether at work or at play, Charisse is the prime example of someone who cares for all people.
Charisse is employed at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center as the Deputy Chief. Her background in this field started 14 ½ years ago in Corrections where she was a Correctional Officer for two years before quickly moving up the ladder. Her first degree, which she obtained at New Mexico State University, was a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. Charisse continued on in school and now has a Masters Degree in Security Management.
In her position as Deputy Chief, Charisse is charged with many responsibilities at the Metropolitan Detention Center. Her responsibilities include overseeing security at the 2700 bed facility. She says that "her days at work are very busy, requiring constant interaction with inmates, police officers, her coworkers, and other public servants." In addition to her traditional duties, Charisse has been the only female on the Correctional Emergency Response Team for 8 years. Charisse also holds the title of being the only African American Deputy Chief in the entire state of New Mexico! That in itself is something that Charisse prides herself on as she works hard being a prominent face in the African American community.
Alongside her job, Charisse has many stories to tell. When she was 27 years of age, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Originally, she thought about a career in the FBI, but her diagnosis led her to consider other alternatives. She worried slightly about going through a potential job loss, but being the strong woman that she is, Charisse did not allow her diagnosis to keep her down. She met with her trainer, Vernon Koonce, who suggested that she try body building in order to keep her healthy and energized. Charisse said, "I try to stay active. I'm not going to let MS beat me." It is her attitude and her willingness that keeps her going. When Charisse returned to her Neurologist, he said, "Whatever it is that you are doing, keep it up." She simply responded by saying, "It's God." It has now been six years since Charisse started bodybuilding and she says that it [bodybuilding] and her faith really make her body feel great.
Charisse knows that trusting in God and keeping him at the forefront of her life is critical to her day to day journey. She boasts a proud active membership at the Legacy Church, where Steve Smotherman is her Pastor. She was also a member of the New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church, where she was actively involved with the Praise Dance teams. "It [praise dance] is my ministry," Charisse adds. Charisse loves the Lord and enjoys expressing her worship through dance. Not only does she enjoy going to church and praising the Lord, she loves to work with children. Charisse has been coaching soccer and track for many years and takes pleasure in giving her time to the community. She always tells her team members to "walk it out" after they stretch. Sure enough, "Walk it Out" became the team's song of the year.
Charisse is indeed a strong, beautiful, black woman that loves and cares for the many people in her life. Recognition goes out to her, for not allowing anything to keep her from doing the things that she truly loves the most. Charisse, keep strong and don't forget to "Walk it Out!"