Arletta Allen

Arletta Allen is an American author, speaker, workshop facilitator, speaking coach and trainer, trauma recovery expert, and healing strategist known for her inspiring journey of resilience and empowerment. She is the founder and CEO of Authentically Arletta Unlimited LLC, a dynamic lifestyle brand dedicated to helping individuals discover their authentic selves and make positive transformations. Her book, "Defy the Odds: Making the Transition from Trauma to Triumph," candidly portrays her experience as a Black woman navigating through trauma, despair, and insecurity. She also offer a speaker training program called Authentically Amplified.
With a passion for sharing her story and empowering others, she has become a sought-after speaker on perseverance, leadership, trauma, and authenticity. Allen's impactful work extends beyond the stage, as she actively engages with community organizations, mentors young girls, and advocates for non-profit causes. Her story of triumph over adversity is an inspiration to many, and her contributions continue to leave a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.
==Early life and education==
Allen was born and raised in Yazoo City, Mississippi, and lived in a home where her father physically abused her mother, siblings, and herself. At age 10, her mother bravely decided to escape the abusive environment, relocating Allen and her four siblings to Fond du Lac. Raised by a single mother, they initially sought refuge with relatives but had to leave due to conflicts. They faced challenges finding stable housing and eventually sought assistance at Bethany House. Their story caught the attention of the Fond du Lac Reporter, resulting in community support, including a new house, food, and furniture, helping them establish a more stable life.
 
At 16, she became pregnant and planned adoption, but complications during labor changed her decision. She dropped out of school to raise her child and later earned her GED with her mother's help. In the next seven years, she worked as a prep cook, got married, had three more children, and faced domestic abuse. 
She spent over ten years in the banking industry and as a cashier at grocery stores and restaurants. She had to leave college due to financial constraints and parental responsibilities. She divorced in 2008 and remarried in 2014.
 
Allen earned an associate's degree in Leadership Development from Moraine Park Technical College. She graduated from Marian University in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Communication and a minor in Business. Throughout her academic journey, she received several honors, including being named "Communications Student of the Year" and "The Face of Marian." She was inducted into the Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Association's High Honor Society. Allen also holds certifications in Organizational Leadership, Healthcare Leadership, Principles of Leadership, and Human Resource Management.
 
Speaking at MPTC's annual foundation dinner was a pivotal moment for Allen. It ignited her passion for the stage and motivated her to become a motivational speaker. She saw her calling as an opportunity to positively impact lives, sharing her journey from abuse and despair to hope, positivity, and success.
==Career==
Allen is the founder and CEO of Authentically Arletta Unlimited LLC, a dynamic lifestyle brand established in 2015. Through her brand, she aims to inspire and assist others by sharing her journey. Authentically Arletta Unlimited promotes the values of Daring to Persevere and Authenticity.
 
Allen is a highly regarded speaker, covering diverse topics such as perseverance, leadership, domestic abuse, motivation, betrayal, empowerment through transparency, teen pregnancy, single parenting, raising a child with disabilities, and overcoming abandonment. She is dedicated to guiding her audience to discover their authentic selves and foster positive transformations. Allen envisions a future where individuals maintain an optimistic outlook in the face of life's challenges, achieved through the power of perseverance.
She actively engages with local community organizations, serving on her church's board and mentoring young teen girls to cultivate self-confidence. Allen's expertise in trauma, healing, leadership, resilience, and authenticity has earned her collaborations with reputable non-profits. She advocates for national non-profit organizations including the National Community Action Partnerships and all Community Action Programs and Agencies. By sharing her personal story and experiences as a former client, she champions their causes. Allen also advocates for TRIO, Upward Bound, and SSS programs, lending her voice to underrepresented and first-generation college students.
 
She is a sought-after media guest, contributing to podcasts and appearing on various platforms. For over a decade, Allen has dominated the speaking industry, captivating audiences with her communication strategies. Her impact extends through keynotes, breakout sessions, roundtable discussions, seminars, panels, and workshops, leaving organizations in awe of her delivery methods.
In 2019, Allen founded the Peculiar Princess Project, Inc., a mentorship program catering to Girls of Color aged 13 to 18. It focuses on self-discovery and building confidence, character, and charisma. The program encourages education, innovation, and individual growth, empowering participants to break through self-imposed limitations.
 
In 2020, Allen established "A Family Affair Soulfood Kitchen," a restaurant in Fond du Lac. Inspired by her Yazoo City, Mississippi roots, the restaurant offers authentic and flavorful meals, sharing her cherished family recipes with the community.
 
As a published author, Allen has authored multiple books, including "Defy the Odds: Making the Transition from Trauma to Triumph," which chronicles her journey as a Black woman navigating trauma, despair, and insecurity. Through this poignant narrative, she inspires and empowers readers to defy the odds in their own lives. Additionally, Allen is the forthcoming author of a 90-day journal titled "Baby Let Me Tell You: A Mother's Wisdom for Everyday Living."
 
She has also contributed to the best-selling gratitude anthology "Who Influenced You? Three Relationships that Transformed My Life," alongside esteemed figures such as Dr. George C. Fraser and MBN owner Mr. Stan Matthews.
==Awards and recognitions==
* Sargent Shriver Award for Self-Sufficiency from NCAP (National Community Action Partnerships) (2019)
* Self-Sufficiency Award from WISCAP (Wisconsin Community Action Program)
* Featured as the cover story in Inspire Magazine
* First-person of color in history to serve as an elected official as a councilperson in the city of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
* Received the key to the city in recognition of contributions to the community.
* Selected as a TEDx speaker on Authenticity
* Next Level Speakers Platinum Award and Drop Mic Award with coaches Dr. Eric Thomas (E.T.), Jeremy Anderson, & Inky Johnson
==Bibliography==
* Defy the Odds: Making the Transition from Trauma to Triumph (December 2022)
* Whoo Influenced You? Three Relationships that Transformed My Life (April 2022) (Co-author)
==Personal life==
Allen resides in Arlington, Texas. In her free time, she enjoys video blogging, taking long walks, creative hair styling, makeup artistry, interior design, and baking.
Before relocating to Arlington, Texas, Allen served as an elected official, holding the position of councilperson in the city of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
==In the media==
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==References==
==External links==
* Personal website
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Category:American authors
Category:American public speakers
Category:People from Mississippi
Category:American people