LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kimberly Allen was nominated by her colleague, Lamar Thompson.

Ms. Allen is the heartbeat of The Academy for Urban Scholars (AUS), and she proves it daily with her positive and infectious attitude toward the staff, students, parents, visitors, and everyone who encounters her. Ms. Allen will always leave people better than when they came. She has proven to make a difference in the lives of all through a hello, an email, a phone call, and serving breakfast and lunch, all while helping the entire school and letting her students and staff know it's no big deal. Ms. Allen has a proven performance of excellence, and she produces a nurturing atmosphere.

Below are a few heartfelt messages her colleagues and friends shared. These are just a few of the many people Ms. Allen has impacted. No job description adequately fits all that Ms. Allen pours into AUS daily. Ms. Allen becomes everything to everyone so that she may keep the school running, and it does not go unnoticed. 

"Ms. Allen is always there with a kind word. She cares and asks how I am doing every day and if I need anything. I truly feel like she is the hub around which we all communicate and work," - J Stephens.

"Ms. Allen is God's love realized for all of us! She's meticulous at her profession, and her spirit is refreshing," - D Lee.

"Ms. Allen always helps when needed and always acts as though it isn't an inconvenience," - A Clarke.

"Ms. Allen has been very kind and welcoming since day one. She always asks how my day was and ensures I'm well-fed. It's like Ms. Allen never has a bad day, which motivates me (and the scholars) to be more positive when I feel drained. She's very caring, and we need people with those qualities around us every day. She ensures our supplies are fully stocked, so we don't have to worry about spending money. In my opinion, she is a teacher, a mentor, a mother figure, a counselor, and more. I hope she gets all the flowers she deserves," - an anonymous student.

"Miss Allen takes her job very seriously, but her demeanor is almost always lighthearted and upbeat. I love coming to work in the morning to see her beautiful smile. Scholars like to talk to her – she is a kind, positive influence for many (including me). A day at AUS without her is not as sunny as it should be," - A Hatter.

"She wears multiple hats and executes at a high level," - E Avery.

"I visit Ms. Allen's desk every morning without fail because of her sweet and gentle spirit. She always greets me with a smile, and I'm not sure she knows how much she affects not only the scholars, but the staff as well. She's a true gem and a tremendous asset to the Academy for Urban Scholars' culture," - D Burton.