Beginning her career in education as a teacher at Parker Elementary School and Grimes Elementary School, Rep. Allen went on to become assistant principal at Foster Elementary School and then served as principal at Peck Elementary School, Windsor Village Vanguard Magnet School, and G.B.M. Turner Elementary School. She also worked in human resources and central administration, and retired from Houston Independent School District after 39 years. Thereafter, Rep. Allen continued her career in education as an Adjunct Professor at both Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University. Currently, she is a motivational speaker, and an educational consultant.

Rep. Allen holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Education degree from Texas Southern University and a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston, as well as a certificate in administration and supervision from the University of Houston. Rep. Allen has received many awards and honors, including Principal of the year, District 5, and Outstanding Alumnus of the University of Houston. Rep. Allen also received the Texas Freedom Network "Walking the Walk Award" from Governor Ann Richards, the Living Legend Award, presented by the Texas Alliance Of Black School Educators, and was recently honored in her hometown of Livingston, Texas, with Alma Allen Day.

Rep. Allen is a member of the Houston Association of Professional Administrators, American Association of Supervision and Curriculum, Texas Association of School Administrators, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Texans Concerned for Superior Schools, the Women's Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Democratic Women, The American Association of Curriculum and Development, and the Council of Negro Women.

Rep. Allen was elected to the Texas House of Representatives on November 2, 2004 and re-elected November 2006, November 2008, and November 2010.

Rep. Allen and her husband, Lawrence A. Allen, Sr., are the proud parents of two children and the grandparents of five grandchildren.