Originally from Mississippi, Charlsia Fortner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Manufacturing and a Master of Science degree in Food Science and Technology from Mississippi State University. She immediately began a career in public service, working as a restaurant and child care inspector for the State of Mississippi. When her husband accepted a promotion to move to Washington, DC in 1991, Charlsia continued to work in public service, but at the Federal level, for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Several jobs and 15 years later, she still finds the work fulfilling. In 2003, Charlsia’s current office started a sign language class. Curious, she attended the first meeting, and experienced the wonder of communicating with her hands. Shortly afterwards, she saw an interpreter use ASL to interpret a concert, she knew she had to learn the beautiful language. After some encouragement from a co-worker, Charlsia began to take classes outside of work, and she continues to study ASL, working hard to improve her signing skills. Having been a lifelong lover of music, Charlsia sees signing music as a natural extension of her music hobby.