Karis Avisa

Growing up brown in the early 2000’s, I saw a lot of white reflected back at me. Everyone’s favorite Disney princesses were Caucasian and picture books rarely featured dark-skinned, curly-haired characters. I came of age on the cusp of the Black Lives Matter movement, and while the world has slowly started to recognize people of color, I’m still told by some that I’m fortunate because people who look like me are “trendy” right now.

Everyone has a right to be seen and validated. Everyone is worthy of feeling appreciated in the spaces they’re in. Everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the art that’s put into the world - from the little brown girls to the disabled, curvy, queer & every journey in between. 

I believe in continuing to encourage growth in both myself and others in order to allow the world we live in to continually progress into a more open-minded & inclusive place. In the entertainment industry, we have the opportunity to show every individual that they have a place and a purpose. We are all integral pieces of the puzzle. I consider it a privilege every time I get to represent everything from the beautiful to the broken pieces of our little world.