Charissa Blue

Charissa Blue is a Senior Academic Advisor for the MLK Program in the College of Liberal Arts as well as the advisor for the Department of American Indian Studies. Charissa completed her BS and MS in ethnic and multicultural studies with minors in biology, chemistry, and music from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She also has a Certified Professional Project Manager (CPPM) certificate from the University of St. Thomas. She has worked at nonprofits, foundations, and educational institutions, focusing on education, health and diversity. Prior to joining the MLK program, Charissa worked with the American Indian Cancer Foundation and at Metropolitan State University as the TRIO Upward Bound Coordinator. She has also worked with the Department of Indian Work (St. Paul), MultiCultural Development Center (MCDC), and HECUA (Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs). In addition to her work experience, Charissa has served as a Racial Justice Facilitator for the YWCA and participated in the Blandin Reservation Community Leadership Program and Social Justice Training Institute.

Charissa is from Granite Falls, Minnesota and is an enrolled member of the Upper Sioux Community. In her free time, Charissa enjoys spending time with her partner and family, sewing ribbon skirts, decorating custom fondant cakes, and watching nerdy TV shows and movies.