Ten Questions With…
Who is Tiffany Allen, and how would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
I am a strong, loving, confident and independent Black woman. I am a child of God and would not be who I am today without His grace and mercy. I am a mother of three children: two daughters and one son. My children are my world and my greatest accomplishment. I’m honored that the Lord blessed me to be their mother. I love seeing children’s faces light up with joy when they are happy or when they master a skill.
Where were you born and raised? What was your upbringing like?
I was born in Roanoke Memorial Hospital. My mother, Cynthia Allen, raised us in Lansdowne Apartments. I’m the second-born of six kids. My mom raised us to be responsible and independent. We were taught to love God. Our devoted grandfather, John Willie Allen, took us to church every week in our Sunday best. We had homework to complete, dishes to wash and rooms to clean before we could go out and play.
After high school, what was the next chapter of your life?
I graduated from Patrick Henry High in 2000. From there, I attended Roanoke College on a partial scholarship thanks to “Partner for Success.” The remaining percent was paid by the Multicultural Affairs Office at Roanoke College. I worked two jobs while attending my alma mater. I was a program leader at the Boys & Girls Club three afternoons a week as well as a peer tutoring manager twice a week. I majored in English and graduated with a BA in 2004. As the first member of my family to graduate from college, I made lasting, beautiful friendships and learned life-long lessons during my undergraduate years.
What is your official title, and what do your responsibilities consist of?
I am a Center Supervisor at TAP Head Start. Aside from being a mother, this title is a great achievement for me. I am in my element when I’m at work. I manage the daily operations of my center with an understanding and compassionate mindset. I ensure that my students are safe and healthy while in the care of TAP staff. I monitor the coming and going of visitors, volunteers and staff. I also oversee maintenance, janitorial and kitchen operations. I manage attendance logs for staff and volunteers.
I also ensure adherence to VA State licensing and Head Start Performance Standards. I conduct monthly and semi-annual safety drills. I lead monthly staff meetings and submit monthly center reports. Coordinating schedules for students and volunteers are other aspects of my job.
How important is family to you?
My family means everything to me because there’s no family like the one I have! We are there for each other, whenever needed. Last year was a difficult time for me and my children after we experienced a house fire in March. Fortunately, I had family by blood, family friends, church family and work family to help me and my children through that difficult time.
The saying, “It takes a village…” has rang true for me more times than I can count. I am more than grateful to everyone who made a difference. My loved ones are people I can truly count on. They have my back, and vice versa. That’s what being family is about.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
My playlist would include Whitney Houston, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, T.I, Tamela Mann, Mary J. Blige, Maverick City, Elevation Worship, Usher, Kirk Franklin and the Family, Jagged Edge, Kierra Sheard, Monica, Marvin Sapp, Brandy, Mary Mary, Tank and Boyz II Men.
What are some of your favorite City of Roanoke memories?
I love going to the Mill Mountain Star at sunset and marveling at the city lights below as the sky darkens with time. I have memories of swimming and splashing in the Roanoke River as a child with my siblings and friends. The same goes for attending the Boys & Girls Club where I experienced good-hearted fun and learned life lessons.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love to read, retail therapy and spending quality time with my children through board games, vibing to music and cooking together.
Which people have had the biggest impact on your life outside of family?
Ms. Faye Claytor Wood was my fifth-grade teacher at Forest Park Elementary. She sealed the deal for me. I always wanted to be a teacher who was as understanding and intentional as she was.
Ms. Joanne Hamidullah was the youth club leader in Lansdowne from my middle school years through high school graduation. She taught me and my friends so many life skills, including how to take accountability for our actions.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
To be more self-confident. You are a beautiful young lady, inside and out. God loves you, as does your family and friends. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” So, just be yourself, trust in God, and He’ll take care of the rest.
