Career Brief
Ms. Allen is a fourth-generation Washingtonian who has resided in the Ward 8 Community most of her life. She was elected to her first term in the general election held on November 6, 1996, and appointed chairperson of the Committee on Human Services nine months later. In addition, she serves on the following Council committees: Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Public Services, and Public Works and the Environment. Ms Allen was re-elected to serve her second term on November 7, 2000.

Councilmember Allen served 17 years of her professional career in the District of Columbia government. Prior to being elected Ward 8 Representative to the Council she served as an employee in the following agencies: Department of Public Works, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, DC Public Schools, DC Department of Corrections, the Council of the District of Columbia, and Department of Human Services as well as Ward 8 Constituent Coordinator for Mayor Marion Barry.

She also served for 12 years as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in the District of Columbia. During that time she enhanced the delivery of community services and programs that are administered by local, federal and private organizations.

Other Activities
For many years Councilmember Allen has been and continues to be affiliated with several civic organizations such as the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), the Native Washingtonian Club, and the Seventh District Citizen Advisory Committee. Ms. Allen is an active member of Friends of the DC Commission for Women, Metropolitan Women Democratic Club, a board member of the Town Hall Education Art and Recreation Center (The ARC), and the Anacostia Coordinating Council.