About the author: Lauren Allen is an attorney and serves as General Counsel of a government agency located in Kansas City. Lauren Allen stepped up to serve her community as a participant in United WE’s Appointments Project®. Lauren was appointed to the Board of Trustees of City Trusts in Kansas City, Missouri in 2018. She is a graduate of Philander Smith College with a degree in English Literature and received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law. She also holds a Masters of Law (LL.M) from American University Washington College of Law.
Juneteenth holds great significance for me as a Black woman.
It represents the liberation of enslaved African Americans and symbolizes the ongoing struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. Juneteenth is an opportunity to celebrate our resilience, honor our ancestors, and acknowledge the contributions of Black people throughout history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
On Juneteenth, I especially acknowledge the many Black women who are breaking barriers each and every day. I work to inspire others to step up and serve by highlighting the achievements of Black women leaders, sharing stories of empowerment and resilience, and fostering inclusive spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued.
My Story
You might wonder why I’m so passionate about being civically involved. Let me start at the beginning. My civic board journey began with United WE’s Appointments Project® in 2017. I attended We Work For Change in 2017 and left inspired to get more involved – so I did.
My journey has been an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience. It has allowed me to actively engage with my community, advocate for important cases, and contribute to positive change. Working with various organizations, I have had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn diverse perspectives, and make a tangible impact on issues that matter to me.
It has been a continuous learning process, filled with challenges, including the closing of one organization that I chaired, and successes, but ultimately it has deepened my understanding of the importance of active citizenship.
Lean On Your Village
I’ve been asked how I manage juggling significant responsibilities at work and home in addition to my appointed endeavors. I could give you a well-crafted and deeply enriched response, but I’m going to be real and honest.
The answer is: my mama, my daddy, my grandmother, and my grandfather. This is the village – the tribe that society talks about. They continue to show up for me in ways that are unmatched.
I am an educated woman, running a legal department, and raising a daughter alone. The only way that I can continue to dominate at work while adding boards and other professional endeavors to my resume, is because of them.
It is never too late to get involved and make a difference.
I’d like to offer the following advice to women who want to be active in their communities but don’t know where to start:
Embrace your unique experiences and perspectives. The richness of your life journey can bring valuable insights to any civic engagement.
Start small and build momentum. Begin by identifying an area of interest; then find a local organization or initiative where you can contribute your skills and passions.
Seek mentorship and connect with like-minded individuals. Engaging with established community leaders can provide guidance, support, and opportunities for growth.
Focus on continuous learning and self-improvement. Take advantage of educational resources, workshops, and training programs to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Remember that every contribution matters. Whether big or small, your efforts can have a meaningful impact on individuals.
Carry the Torch of Change
As we honor and celebrate Juneteenth this month and into the future, I ask that if you are a Black woman, to take your seat at the civic leadership table. If you are an ally or sponsor, encourage Black women to take a seat at the civic leadership table by joining the Appointments Project®. This is a powerful way to support and empower others in their personal and civic journey. It is an incredibly fulfilling opportunity to grow, overcome challenges, and ensure our boards and commissions are representative of the communities they serve.
It is imperative that we pass along the value of civic engagement to the next generation of women who will carry the torch of change. Join me!