MEET DR. CHAR

Reverend Dr. Charnika Louise Hayes is a talented singer, writer, dramaturge, and narrative curator with over thirty years of ministry experience. Born into a family of ministers, musicians, and storytellers, she developed a passion for music and storytelling at a young age. Throughout childhood and adolescence, she wrote award-winning songs and stories and co-founded and directed school ensembles and gospel choirs.

As a young adult, Dr. Hayes's talents as a singer led her to sell-out concerts at the Lyceum Museum, and toured the world as a featured soloist with The Glory Gospel Singers. She is also an accomplished stage and screen playwright, with notable works such as the hit Christian web series "The Called" and the globally published book "The Other Side of Womanhood: A Series of Monologues from the Broken Spirit of a Black Girl." Her theatrical works have been performed at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and the Apollo Theater.

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Dr. Charnika Hayes's work extends beyond the artistic realm. She has dedicated her time and talents to serving the community through organizations such as the City of Alexandria's Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the NAACP, and the nonprofit arts organization she co-founded, The Daughters of Louise Foundation. She has also served as an associate minister and former Drama Director at the Alfred Street Baptist Church, where she facilitated the ministry of delivering powerful messages through imagery, movement, speech, and music. Her contributions to the church include creating the concept and scripts for the animated series "Soulful Animations" and providing spiritual guidance and growth to Drama Ministry members.

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In 2017, Dr. Hayes earned a Master of Divinity from The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, followed by a Doctorate of Ministry in 2021. These academic achievements, coupled with her extensive experience, make her a credible witness in the work of her calling. Alongside her ministry, Dr. Charnika Louise Hayes takes pride in being a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend, recognizing the importance of actively engaging in family ministry.