Allen is an educator, faculty trainer, public speaker, and community advocate who was elected as City Council Member, Place 5 for Glenn Heights, Texas on November 06, 2018. She is passionate about serving her community and committed to economic growth that improves the quality of life for all citizens. Her family later moved to Pleasant Grove where she graduated from W. She earned a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Texas A&M–Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies from University of Texas at Dallas. As an 18-year educator – and twice recognized “Who’s Who in Community Colleges” honoree – she’s held positions as adjunct faculty, professor, and department chair with the Dallas County Community College District. She taught high school in Garland ISD and was certified by the State Board of Education in English Language Arts and Reading (grades 4-8, 8-12) and English as a Second Language (grades 4-12). Her mission is improving literacy levels of young adults and inspiring enthusiastic readers. And with undergraduate studies in Journalism and Visual Design, she aspires to author and illustrate a collection of young adult novels in the near future. Civic engagement began at an early age for Councilwoman Allen. As a high school student, she participated in a church initiative to feed the homeless. She has volunteered with numerous organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, National Action Network, and Urban League Greater Dallas Young Professionals. She recently served as Board Secretary for Heritage Lakes HOA, Communications Chair for Tri-Cities NAACP, Convention Communications Chair for Texas State Conference NAACP, member of the Superintendent Advisory Council for DeSoto ISD, Glenn Heights Representative for the Collective Impact Network/Joint Strategic Plan for DeSoto ISD, Leadership Committee Member for Texas Working Families Party, and Glenn Heights Chairperson for the 2020 Census. She serves on the MLK Jr. Scholarship Committee in Dallas, TX! You can find more information about Councilwoman Allen in several publications:
Publications:
The Dallas Morning News. (2021). Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett seeking Dallas U.S. House seat with Eddie Bernice Johnson’s endorsement. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2021/11/24/state-rep-jasmine-crockett-expected-to-announce-run-for-tx-30-with-eddie-bernice-johnsons-support/
WFAA. Glenn Heights partners with Make-A-Wish Foundation to construct city's first all-abilities park. https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/city-of-glenn-heights-texas-make-a-wish-foundation-partner-to-construct-all-abilities-park/287-6b99bf74-4fdd-47ac-a9b7-d91ae20d18cb
I Messenger. (2020). Run Kamala Run. https://issuu.com/cherylsmith28/docs/garland_journal_august_19_d03dd51fc6c0b9/21?fbclid=IwAR0MAe5m7eWDYRL7Idtyr3cd4z38DVJ-i5xM5PFAe5r0R-voeXn1AyMxigc
Focus Daily News. Glenn Heights “We Will Not Tolerate Racism”. https://www.focusdailynews.com/glenn-heights-we-will-not-tolerate-racism/
WBAP/KLIF News. Glenn Heights City Leaders say Business Owner Directed Racial Slur at Customers. https://www.wbap.com/2020/06/24/glenn-heights-city-leaders-say-business-owner-directed-racial-slur-at-customers/
Texas Metro News. (2019). From Marva with Love. https://issuu.com/cherylsmith28/docs/texas_metro_news_10-23
Homes and Rentals. Fluffy-N-Fitness Confidence Walk Dallas. https://www.har.com/fluffy-n-fitness-confidence-walk-dallas/event_E0-001-130361599-0
Focus Daily News. (2018). Incumbent Glenn Heights Council Members Unseated In Midterm Races. http://www.focusdailynews.com/incumbent-glenn-heights-council-members-unseated-in-midterm-races/
The Courier. North Texans rally against gun violence. http://brookhavencourier.com/?p=6435
Lone Star Parity Project. Shaunte Allen: Passionate educator turned politician. http://www.lonestarparityproject.org/features/shaunte-allen-passionate-educator-turned-politician
Forums & Discussions:
Host / Speaker. 2020 Census Update with guest speaker TX Rep. Carl Sherman. Glenn Heights City Council. November 16, 2021. Host. Community Discussion #3: Civil & Social Justice Movements with Judge Michael Jones, Jr. May 22, 2021. 11:00am. Virtual. Host Reader. Read Across DeSoto & Glenn Heights. February 26, 2021. Panelist. Social Justice - Civil Rights and The Black Voter. DeSoto ISD Black History Month Social Conversations. February 19, 2021. 12:00pm. Ready, Set, RUN. Emerging Leaders of DeSoto. December 10, 2020. 6:30pm. Moderator. Candidate Meet and Greet/Red Oak ISD School Board election. Glenn Heights Chamber of Commerce. October 11, 2020. 5:30pm. Winning With Women conference. W.I.N. Committee. Mesquite NAACP. September 22, 2020. 7:00pm. Featured Speaker. CENSUS 2020: Representation Matters. Oaks Garden Social Justice Committee. September 4, 2020. 6:00pm. Moderator. 2020 Census Town Hall with Glenn Heights City Council. April 22, 2020. Host. 2020 Census (Complete Count Committee Training). Glenn Heights City Hall. January 04, 2020. Community Discussion #2: Understanding Your Taxes with John R. Ames, Dallas County Tax Assessor/Collector. December 18, 2019. 6:00pm. Guest Speaker. Veteran’s Appreciation Day. Loving Touch Adult Day Care. November 11, 2019. Community Discussion #1: West Nile Prevention with Dr. Philip Huang. August 22, 2019. Participant. “Together, We Will" Video. DeSoto ISD Convocation. August 15, 2019. https://youtu.be/4IMep6_W3fQ
Panelist. Black, Young, & Elected: Bridging Public Administration & Public Service in a New Generation. National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA). Grand Prairie City Hall. June 13, 2019. 2:00pm.
