Helping Our People Grow
Helping Our People Grow
Growth is one of our core values.
Founder LaVerda Allen’s background in teaching drives our commitment to developing talented career-oriented professionals with the skills and perspective they need to become industry leaders.
We support our employees at all stages to better understand career paths, build expertise and experience to fulfill their aspirations, and share ideas with management to help grow our firm. Interested in learning more about some of our people? Explore employee profiles below:
Learn More About
A big reason was the opportunity to work for a black and woman-owned project and construction management firm in the Bay Area.
I learned about The Allen Group from a college friend who was interning with TAG while he finished his PhD at Stanford. Through him, I met Schatzie [TAG President] and interviewed. The company felt like a family from the very beginning; Schatzie understood my career goals and ambitions.
I learned about The Allen Group from a college friend who was interning with TAG while he finished his PhD at Stanford. Through him, I met Schatzie [TAG President] and interviewed. The company felt like a family from the very beginning; Schatzie understood my career goals and ambitions.
I enjoy working with the entire project team – the Owner, Design-Builder, subcontractors, stakeholders – to build out capital construction projects. It’s rewarding to meet with the client to help them solve problems and see the project take shape. I’ve developed a lot of lasting friendships from professional connections.
The opportunity to grow and take on new challenges. I’ve worked on a variety of projects (parking garages, terminal renovations, duty free stores, a community center) with different clients and learned a lot from each. That and the comfort of being in a family-oriented work environment.
“It’s all about developing relationships.”
This is something I learned from Schatzie, and now I always think in terms of creating trust and open communication early on with teammates when introduced to a new project team.
Building trust starts with talking to people, making yourself available, having open conversations (formal and informal). This could mean grabbing lunch with someone, or dropping by someone’s office to check in. It seems simple, but I think a lot of people feel hesitant about putting themselves out there. Part of the job is learning to get comfortable and actively connect with your teammates.
This is something I learned from Schatzie, and now I always think in terms of creating trust and open communication early on with teammates when introduced to a new project team.
Building trust starts with talking to people, making yourself available, having open conversations (formal and informal). This could mean grabbing lunch with someone, or dropping by someone’s office to check in. It seems simple, but I think a lot of people feel hesitant about putting themselves out there. Part of the job is learning to get comfortable and actively connect with your teammates.
I love most foods, but not too many sweets. I’ve never really been a big fan of cakes, cookies, candies, or anything like that for some reason.
I could always go for a nice thick medium cooked New York Strip steak, it’s my special occasion go-to meal. I also really love Maryland Chesapeake Blue Crab Cakes.
I could always go for a nice thick medium cooked New York Strip steak, it’s my special occasion go-to meal. I also really love Maryland Chesapeake Blue Crab Cakes.
Tulum, Mexico is currently at the top of my list. I went there for a former coworker’s wedding, and it was amazing. The weather was perfect all week long, not too humid. We explored underground caves and bodies of water called cenotes and visited the Mayan city Chichén Itzá.
I love being outdoors and doing outdoor activities, such as: running, hiking, biking, sports (basketball, football, lacrosse), and swimming at the beach.
I’ve been an avid chess player since I was little. By elementary school I was playing in chess tournaments. I used to teach students chess and helped start a chess club on my college campus, which is still going today. If you’d like to challenge me, let me know!
I’ve been an avid chess player since I was little. By elementary school I was playing in chess tournaments. I used to teach students chess and helped start a chess club on my college campus, which is still going today. If you’d like to challenge me, let me know!
Justin
Project Manager / Resident Engineer
Years Working: 10 years
Years Working at TAG: 8 years
Resident Engineer
Learn More About
I first met The Allen Group’s founder, LaVerda Allen, during a weekly project construction meeting. Seeing a woman of color in her position of authority made me think, “I’m definitely in the right place.” Besides working for a female, black-owned business, I was really drawn to the fact that we contribute to the creation of infrastructure.
Many people don’t know this about me, but I started college as a civil engineering major, so I’ve always been interested in infrastructure. Infrastructure is the backbone of our communities, economy, and quality of life. I love being part of a team that’s responsible for managing so many key pieces of the Bay Area’s infrastructure, including projects with Muni, BART, and the San Francisco International Airport.
Many people don’t know this about me, but I started college as a civil engineering major, so I’ve always been interested in infrastructure. Infrastructure is the backbone of our communities, economy, and quality of life. I love being part of a team that’s responsible for managing so many key pieces of the Bay Area’s infrastructure, including projects with Muni, BART, and the San Francisco International Airport.
I enjoy the variety of work I encounter every day. Being Chief of Staff and an HR Manager is very much a service role. I help keep things running smoothly for the rest of the company. I support TAG employees so they can focus on their work. This might include administrative work such as administering benefits, but I also work one-on-one with employees who need help or guidance. I love developing relationships and interacting with people.
Before my current role, I also did Community Relations/Outreach and Project Controls for many years. The Allen Group has always provided me with an environment to grow and change.
Before my current role, I also did Community Relations/Outreach and Project Controls for many years. The Allen Group has always provided me with an environment to grow and change.
I’ve experienced a great deal of job satisfaction with The Allen Group. That’s probably obvious…I’ve been here since 2001! I think a few things contribute to why I remain a committed employee:
• My contributions make a difference. I’m proud of the responsibility entrusted to me to care for our people. I’m also really proud of the work The Allen Group does to improve communities by building infrastructure.
• I feel recognized and respected by my peers and leadership, which further solidifies my bond with the company.
• I am lucky to work with gifted and talented coworkers who challenge me to improve my own work. I’ve made strong friendships over the years.
• I have been encouraged and mentored to achieve my full potential. My growth path continues to exceed far beyond what I was originally hired for. The persistent encouragement to improve, from interns to senior management, is inspiring and meaningful.
• My contributions make a difference. I’m proud of the responsibility entrusted to me to care for our people. I’m also really proud of the work The Allen Group does to improve communities by building infrastructure.
• I feel recognized and respected by my peers and leadership, which further solidifies my bond with the company.
• I am lucky to work with gifted and talented coworkers who challenge me to improve my own work. I’ve made strong friendships over the years.
• I have been encouraged and mentored to achieve my full potential. My growth path continues to exceed far beyond what I was originally hired for. The persistent encouragement to improve, from interns to senior management, is inspiring and meaningful.
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
-Dr. Seuss
I don’t have one favorite food, but I enjoy Argentine cuisine (grilled meat), Italian (pasta and pizza), and Mexican (grilled chicken and crispy vegetarian tacos). I could eat Mexican food every day.
I also love a good cheeseburger, so I’m really bummed that Luka’s by the BART Headquarters closed – I used to go there for lunch. Best cheeseburger around! Hopefully they’ll reopen somewhere else.
I also love a good cheeseburger, so I’m really bummed that Luka’s by the BART Headquarters closed – I used to go there for lunch. Best cheeseburger around! Hopefully they’ll reopen somewhere else.
Hard to pick just one! I love Rome, Barcelona, and Seville. Hope to visit England and Scotland one day. I find medieval history fascinating. Would love to visit castles and the towns of famous literary figures, such as where Jane Austen lived. Also want to visit Wimbledon in person!
Spending time with family (I have two daughters), dancing, traveling, jigsaw puzzles, medieval history, movies, and tennis!
Tennis: I love watching tennis and just recently started learning how to play.
Dance: I’ve done Brazilian dance (samba) for twenty-five years. I was a cheerleader in high school and was going to try out for the cheerleading squad in college, but I wanted to explore something different. I went to a Brazilian carnival party and that’s how I became interested! I also love Argentine tango.
Jigsaw puzzles: I started doing puzzles when I was very young. I actually wrote my college essay in part about my love of puzzles and figuring things out. I find them very relaxing, a kind of meditative space. I will stay up until 3 am and have to force myself to go to sleep. I usually work on puzzles with 1000 to 2000 pieces (3000 is really difficult!). I try to do them with family, but it’s mainly my thing.
Star Wars: I’m a big Star Wars fan. We have family movie nights and watch together. Empire Strikes Back is my favorite – no favorite characters, just a great cinematic experience. A New Hope came out the year I was born. Still watchable and relevant!
Medieval history: My interest probably started in the seventh grade when we had a school activity of building a model castle and I learned about castle life. I love historical fiction, films, shows, and novels. Huge Game of Thrones fan. Really enjoyed The Last Kingdom and The Last Duel.
Tennis: I love watching tennis and just recently started learning how to play.
Dance: I’ve done Brazilian dance (samba) for twenty-five years. I was a cheerleader in high school and was going to try out for the cheerleading squad in college, but I wanted to explore something different. I went to a Brazilian carnival party and that’s how I became interested! I also love Argentine tango.
Jigsaw puzzles: I started doing puzzles when I was very young. I actually wrote my college essay in part about my love of puzzles and figuring things out. I find them very relaxing, a kind of meditative space. I will stay up until 3 am and have to force myself to go to sleep. I usually work on puzzles with 1000 to 2000 pieces (3000 is really difficult!). I try to do them with family, but it’s mainly my thing.
Star Wars: I’m a big Star Wars fan. We have family movie nights and watch together. Empire Strikes Back is my favorite – no favorite characters, just a great cinematic experience. A New Hope came out the year I was born. Still watchable and relevant!
Medieval history: My interest probably started in the seventh grade when we had a school activity of building a model castle and I learned about castle life. I love historical fiction, films, shows, and novels. Huge Game of Thrones fan. Really enjoyed The Last Kingdom and The Last Duel.
Micaela
Chief of staff/ HR Manager
Years Working: 23
Years Working at TAG: 23
Chief of Staff/HR Manager
Learn More About
The diversity, recognition of talent, and a shared work ethic to achieve excellence.
It can be easy to get lost in the shuffle at a large firm. The Allen Group recognizes talent, provides opportunities, and supports qualified people to take a leading role on projects.
I was also really impressed by the work ethic at The Allen Group. When I trained under Vanessa, she made me go through all the drawings thoroughly and quizzed me. She delved into the technical details and made sure I understood contractual specifications. I learned to see the big picture, not just manage day-to-day issues and activities.
It can be easy to get lost in the shuffle at a large firm. The Allen Group recognizes talent, provides opportunities, and supports qualified people to take a leading role on projects.
I was also really impressed by the work ethic at The Allen Group. When I trained under Vanessa, she made me go through all the drawings thoroughly and quizzed me. She delved into the technical details and made sure I understood contractual specifications. I learned to see the big picture, not just manage day-to-day issues and activities.
I like moving the project forward and making sure the client’s money is well spent. For several years I helped design high rises, and I’m enjoying the shift to project and construction management, which is what The Allen Group focuses on. The work is a combination of applying technical knowledge and people skills to drive schedule and create a great result for the client that stays within budget.
The family atmosphere and knowing my contributions are valued. From the beginning, Schatzie Allen Jefferson (President) and Ms. Allen (Founder) have been really supportive and check in frequently. I feel free to express my opinions. The Allen Group doesn’t have a typical hierarchy. You don’t have to fall in line and keep your ideas to yourself.
“The show must go on.”
Issues happen on projects. When they do, the most important thing is not to waste time assigning blaming anyone but work to understand the issue and how to solve it in a timely way. Blame gets the project nowhere – the show must go on.Biryani, eggplant parmigiana, and sushi.
Biryani: a friend taught me the recipe and then I started making it for others in college!
Eggplant parm: I used to live in Miami and would have eggplant parm at Perricone’s Marketplace & Cafe. It was a guilty pleasure.
Sushi: My sister introduced me to a vegan sushi place in Berkeley called Tane Vegan Izakaya. I’m vegetarian and it has great options, mostly soy based.
Biryani: a friend taught me the recipe and then I started making it for others in college!
Eggplant parm: I used to live in Miami and would have eggplant parm at Perricone’s Marketplace & Cafe. It was a guilty pleasure.
Sushi: My sister introduced me to a vegan sushi place in Berkeley called Tane Vegan Izakaya. I’m vegetarian and it has great options, mostly soy based.
Anywhere to ski like Aspen or Lake Tahoe. I used to rollerblade as a kid and wanted to try skiing for a while. I had a Canadian manager from a past job who introduced me to downhill skiing about five years ago when I first came to the US. I was hooked – I just loved the thrill of it. I usually go skiing at least once a year with friends and family.
I’m passionate about structural engineering – I’ve always been intrigued by how a structure stays standing and what it takes to build one.
In terms of hobbies, I really enjoy running. I’ve done a few half marathons, and I’m focusing on doing a full marathon soon.
In terms of hobbies, I really enjoy running. I’ve done a few half marathons, and I’m focusing on doing a full marathon soon.
Sagar
Resident Engineer
Years Working: 10 years
Years Working at TAG: 2 years
Resident Engineer
Learn More About
I learned about The Allen Group’s summer internship program from a former TAG employee, and it sounded like a great experience. As soon as I started as an intern, I felt very comfortable. Everyone was so friendly. People were always ready and willing to help. Schatzie [The Allen Group’s President] made me feel like I was part of the family.
I really enjoyed my summer internship. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun too! TAG interns worked on separate projects, but we came together for professional development and various activities, like visiting Hetch Hetchy and staying overnight to learn about the water system. I got valuable exposure working on a project at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). After my internship, I wanted to stay, and was able to continue in a full-time role.
I enjoy working with colleagues who help and motivate each other. I was happy to have the chance to support new interns and employees the way I had received help and mentorship when I started. When training Sharayu [another TAG employee], I started doing monthly check-ins with her to help her figure out what she wanted to do, what worked, what could work better, and to track her job satisfaction.
I enjoy working with colleagues who help and motivate each other. I was happy to have the chance to support new interns and employees the way I had received help and mentorship when I started. When training Sharayu [another TAG employee], I started doing monthly check-ins with her to help her figure out what she wanted to do, what worked, what could work better, and to track her job satisfaction.
The amazing company culture and family atmosphere keep me at The Allen Group!
I’m grateful that I get to work on impactful multimillion-dollar projects for extraordinary owners such as BART and SFO. Having the chance to help lead the BART Headquarters Project really pushed me to develop my professional and leadership skills a lot in a short period of time – I don’t think I would have gotten this opportunity so soon at another firm.
I also used to be very shy. I had previously worked in India for five years and was comfortable speaking in the local language. When I came to the US, however, I was involved in larger meetings that included higher up management, and I was given items to present and even ended up leading meetings. My TAG mentors always made sure that I had an active role and helped me develop my leadership skills. I’ve since become a lot less shy!
I’m grateful that I get to work on impactful multimillion-dollar projects for extraordinary owners such as BART and SFO. Having the chance to help lead the BART Headquarters Project really pushed me to develop my professional and leadership skills a lot in a short period of time – I don’t think I would have gotten this opportunity so soon at another firm.
I also used to be very shy. I had previously worked in India for five years and was comfortable speaking in the local language. When I came to the US, however, I was involved in larger meetings that included higher up management, and I was given items to present and even ended up leading meetings. My TAG mentors always made sure that I had an active role and helped me develop my leadership skills. I’ve since become a lot less shy!
My mom taught me and my sister that we should always be self-reliant – to study and take care of ourselves. This keeps me motivated to be the best version of myself and to give the best effort to any task I undertake.
Pesto pasta is my favorite dish! I first had it in India, so it had its own spin on it. I would love to visit Italy someday.
My favorite travel destination is Lake Tahoe. I think it’s the most beautiful place, just seeing the water and the mountains together is so calming. I first went in December 2018 and tried skiing – I fell a lot! My husband was more of a natural. I’ll try skiing again at some point. In the summer I really enjoy hiking and water activities like paddleboarding, picnicking on the beach, kayaking, and swimming.
I also enjoy going to LA in the summer. I like all the beaches – Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Catalina Island. We’ve taken the ferry to Catalina Island before and gone hiking, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The water was really clear, and it was so cool to see fish swimming around. We also went parasailing. Usually I’m afraid of heights, but I wasn’t scared after we started going up in the air!
I also enjoy going to LA in the summer. I like all the beaches – Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Catalina Island. We’ve taken the ferry to Catalina Island before and gone hiking, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The water was really clear, and it was so cool to see fish swimming around. We also went parasailing. Usually I’m afraid of heights, but I wasn’t scared after we started going up in the air!
Swimming is one of my passions. I started swimming late in the 10th grade when I was around 14 or 15. My instruction encouraged me to enter a competition and I won third place! After that, I started swimming a little more competitively, but I was also focused on getting into college. I did some competitive swimming in college at George Tech, but mostly just for fun. I also did lifeguard training, which was very rewarding. Now I swim at the gym or on trips, and I like to swim in the American River when I visit Sacramento!
Rajshree
Assistant resident engineer
Years Working: 9
Years Working at TAG: 4
Assistant Resident Engineer
Learn More About
I was looking to switch from the design side of the industry to the construction side, but still wanted to work on big projects. The Allen Group was the perfect blend of a family business feel with the opportunity to work on large, complex infrastructure projects.
I love the people I work with at The Allen Group. Our company has one of the most diverse, highly qualified groups of people out of any company in the Bay Area, which makes my day-to-day work experience extremely rewarding.
Schatzie [The President of The Allen Group] has been so supportive. She treats me with respect and cares about my goals and career objectives. She also cares about what’s going on in my life outside of work. It would be very hard for me to find this level of trust and respect in another company.
I don’t really have one favorite quote! I’d say that treating everyone you meet with respect and dignity and trying to see problems through their eyes has made a big impact on my life.
Tacos! Growing up in Bakersfield in the Central Valley I was spoiled with amazing authentic Mexican food in restaurants and taco trucks. I could eat tacos every day for the rest of my life and be very happy!
Lake Tahoe. Since moving up to the Bay Area in 2011, I’ve grown to love Tahoe more and more every year I’m here. While we were dating, my wife and I bonded over a ski season spent up at Palisades and now we make sure we go up as much as our two little boys let us. I also love to hike and bike up in Tahoe during the summer and fall. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Golf, skiing, traveling, and trying out new restaurants are some of my favorite hobbies. I grew up playing golf since I was 6 years old and played competitively through high school. Besides that, I’m an avid sports fan, a huge supporter of the Lakers and USC Football, and love attending live sporting events.
Nick
Program Manager/ Director of operations
Years Working: 12
Years Working at TAG: 9
Program Manager/Director of Operations
Learn More About
Modal Title
I was a summer intern with The Allen Group in 2022, and I really enjoyed the friendly work atmosphere. I felt very welcome. TAG’s philosophy also resonated with me, especially the emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I wanted to continue to be a part of things after feeling so included, so I pursued a full-time role.
I enjoy the variety of work tasks and challenges I face every day – there’s always something new to learn. As I mentioned, I really like how friendly everyone is. I appreciate not having to spend energy on conflicts and being able to focus on accomplishing the work. Everyone’s willingness to openly support each other is another aspect I find very heartwarming.
TAG offers many opportunities for career development, and I’m grateful for the company’s willingness to sponsor me for an H1B visa. I appreciate all the benefits provided by TAG.
TAG offers many opportunities for career development, and I’m grateful for the company’s willingness to sponsor me for an H1B visa. I appreciate all the benefits provided by TAG.
I look forward to new challenges, including being exposed to different types of projects, and growing as a person and employee.
Best life advice I’ve received is to sincerely try to be happy every day – you only live once!
Dishes with meat. Anything with watermelon! All kinds of snacks – especially seaweed snacks.
In general, I would say that the destination is less important than the people you travel with. In recent years, however, going to the Bahamas left a deep impression on me. Life there felt very comfortable. The scenery was beautiful with great tourist and recreational facilities in the Atlantis Hotel, offering many new experiences.
• Making short videos!
• Eating delicious food, especially spicy Szechuan food, and documenting it. I also like Korean soups with soft tofu and kimchi.
• Watching variety shows and dramas, mainly Chinese and Korean. I sometimes translate Korean variety shows into Chinese and upload for public use.
• Playing video games with friends online all around the world (in Canada, China, Australia, the UK, etc.)
• Eating delicious food, especially spicy Szechuan food, and documenting it. I also like Korean soups with soft tofu and kimchi.
• Watching variety shows and dramas, mainly Chinese and Korean. I sometimes translate Korean variety shows into Chinese and upload for public use.
• Playing video games with friends online all around the world (in Canada, China, Australia, the UK, etc.)
Lingrui
office engineer
Years Working: 2.5
Years Working at TAG: 1
Office Engineer
Learn More About
The Allen Group’s reputation for providing high-quality services to its clients. I like that we are a women and minority-owned firm, stand for equity, and serve the community. We help students, young professionals, and small businesses grow and find work in the design and construction industry. Our founder LaVerda O. Allen also has a history of supporting LGBTQ+ communities and many projects for mental health. I like that The Allen Group gives back.
I work with the best professionals in the industry, who also happen to be the nicest people. I don’t have to dread Mondays – I really enjoy working with everyone. It’s a family.
I juggle a lot of different tasks every day. I have a Master’s in accounting and I’m also a CPA. I like the variety of accounting and finance management work I do.
I juggle a lot of different tasks every day. I have a Master’s in accounting and I’m also a CPA. I like the variety of accounting and finance management work I do.
The people I work with and The Allen Group’s reputation for excellence and diversity. I’m proud of our projects and the social impact we have.
“Success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
-Michelle Obama
Working in finance and accounting, you spend a lot of time thinking about numbers and money. This quote really stuck with me because it made me realize there are so many things, small things, people can do to make somebody’s day better. Make someone laugh. Encourage them to try something new. Help someone pursue their goals. We can all have a positive impact just by taking a little bit of time to support and care about one other.I can’t single out just one. My favorites are sushi, Indian, Ethiopian, and Burmese. My coworkers have introduced me to a good Burmese restaurant in Oakland (there are also good ones in Walnut Creek) and really good Ethiopian food.
Lake Tahoe. I like to go in the summertime and early fall. The first time I went to the lake was in 2007 or 2008 when I moved to California from New York, and I was just mesmerized by the beauty. I love to mediate there. I go hiking and I like to find new trails. I enjoy sitting by the lake and going in the water when the weather is warm.
Cooking, hiking, and working out.
I like to try new recipes. During COVID, I tried making fusion dishes by an Israeli chef. It was fun and quite challenging, using different spices. I also like to make eggplant parmesan and Italian lamb burgers.
I enjoy attending concerts (San Francisco Jazz, Symphony, Pink Martini, Andrea Bocelli) and visiting museums (SF MOMA, de Young Museum, etc.)
For hiking, I like going to Mount Diablo, the Lafayette Reservoir, and Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland. Because of COVID, I started working out at home, doing Pilates, Zumba, and the elliptical.
I like to try new recipes. During COVID, I tried making fusion dishes by an Israeli chef. It was fun and quite challenging, using different spices. I also like to make eggplant parmesan and Italian lamb burgers.
I enjoy attending concerts (San Francisco Jazz, Symphony, Pink Martini, Andrea Bocelli) and visiting museums (SF MOMA, de Young Museum, etc.)
For hiking, I like going to Mount Diablo, the Lafayette Reservoir, and Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland. Because of COVID, I started working out at home, doing Pilates, Zumba, and the elliptical.
Maria
Chief Financial officer
Years Working: 31
Years Working at TAG: 8
Chief Financial Officer
Learn More About
The diverse, energetic, and encouraging work environment.
Diverse: The amazing diversity of the staff at The Allen Group makes for a very welcoming work environment. I don’t just feel represented, I feel safe – like I’m at home.
Energetic: People have a lot of enthusiasm for the work they do. It’s infectious. It makes me excited to get started every day and work hard.
Encouraging: When I first joined The Allen Group as an intern, I was immediately struck by the way the company seemed like family. People really enjoyed spending time together and always made sure the interns felt included and had fun.
The Allen Group also strongly encourages and facilitates employee growth and development. Schatzie was very supportive of me taking relevant classes and pursuing certifications outside of work.
Diverse: The amazing diversity of the staff at The Allen Group makes for a very welcoming work environment. I don’t just feel represented, I feel safe – like I’m at home.
Energetic: People have a lot of enthusiasm for the work they do. It’s infectious. It makes me excited to get started every day and work hard.
Encouraging: When I first joined The Allen Group as an intern, I was immediately struck by the way the company seemed like family. People really enjoyed spending time together and always made sure the interns felt included and had fun.
The Allen Group also strongly encourages and facilitates employee growth and development. Schatzie was very supportive of me taking relevant classes and pursuing certifications outside of work.
That it’s challenging and always evolving. When I first started as an intern, I worked on the BART Headquarters project with Rajshree, who was also very supportive. She made sure I had the right software and walked me through each task. She was a very hands-on and helpful mentor who explained things clearly, and I gained a lot of practical experience. I felt set up to succeed.
Every day there is something new to try. People are positive and solution oriented, which makes problem solving fun.
Every day there is something new to try. People are positive and solution oriented, which makes problem solving fun.
I love the people I work with, and I love what I do. After leaving India, The Allen Group has become my home away from home. Interning with The Allen Group was the best summer of my life, which really made me want to come back and work full time. Schatzie [President of The Allen Group] has been and continues to be so warm and caring towards me.
“Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”
-Booker T. Washington
I experienced this firsthand on the BART Headquarters project – we had a great team that worked well together and made the project (though hectic) an enjoyable experience. The project won a variety of awards, which emphasized the importance of being around people who are smart and knowledgeable and care about everyone succeeding. I read somewhere that good people will raise you up – and I think that’s very true.
Peking duck! A friend from China introduced me to the dish when I was in India and taught me how to eat it. Now I’m in the Bay Area, and San Francisco has amazing Chinese food and so many other cuisines to try.
The City of Leh.
I was there in December 2019 with around 15 family members, which made it even more special. It was so beautiful – fresh water and snow all at once – no better scenery. We booked a villa, did a lot of skiing, bike riding, and had cookouts. Enjoyed lots of fresh fruit and different kinds of soups and roasted meat.
I was there in December 2019 with around 15 family members, which made it even more special. It was so beautiful – fresh water and snow all at once – no better scenery. We booked a villa, did a lot of skiing, bike riding, and had cookouts. Enjoyed lots of fresh fruit and different kinds of soups and roasted meat.
Reading and art!
Reading: I really enjoyed the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, which was a recommendation from a friend. Evelyn is such a strong, sassy protagonist – reading the book has encouraged me to be more confident. Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a beautiful book and one of my favorites. It’s about multiverses and how different life decisions can lead to different outcomes.
Art: I love sketching people – capturing their uniqueness and different attire. Carmel by the Sea is a great spot to people watch and draw. I’ve also been trying my hand at watercolors!
Reading: I really enjoyed the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, which was a recommendation from a friend. Evelyn is such a strong, sassy protagonist – reading the book has encouraged me to be more confident. Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a beautiful book and one of my favorites. It’s about multiverses and how different life decisions can lead to different outcomes.
Art: I love sketching people – capturing their uniqueness and different attire. Carmel by the Sea is a great spot to people watch and draw. I’ve also been trying my hand at watercolors!
Sharayu
Office Engineer
Years Working: 4 years
Years Working at TAG: 2.5 years
Office Engineer
Learn More About
The Allen Group captured my attention for several reasons:
• The commitment to diversity
• Equal opportunity, and
• Inclusivity as an African-American woman-owned firm.
TAG’s long track record of delivering quality and value through a client-centric approach mirrors my own dedication to excellence and building strong partnerships.
• The commitment to diversity
• Equal opportunity, and
• Inclusivity as an African-American woman-owned firm.
TAG’s long track record of delivering quality and value through a client-centric approach mirrors my own dedication to excellence and building strong partnerships.
Seeing my contributions further the success of our organization early on motivated me to keep honing my communication and time management skills.
I started at The Allen Group as an Executive Assistant, which exposed me to various aspects of the business right away. I worked closely – and continue to work closely – with executives, helping me expand my network and industry knowledge.
In my new role as a Communications Specialist, I get to leverage my background in communications and past professional experience with social media.
Being trusted with expanded responsibilities has added an exciting dimension to my professional journey – I didn’t expect to see such growth in my role so soon!
TAG’s journey from a disadvantaged business enterprise to a prime contractor that actively empowers small businesses is an inspiring story of creating positive industry change and social impact. I just started my role and look forward to contributing to that legacy.
“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.”
-Charles R. Swindoll
I can’t necessarily control external events as they happen, but I can control my responses to them. This quote helps me keep a resilient mindset. It encourages me to refrain from expending unnecessary stress and energy and focus on the aspects of life I can influence.Peruvian cuisine is my favorite – it artfully blends Indigenous, Spanish, Asian, and African flavors. Just as different ingredients harmonize to create an incredible dish, I believe embracing a variety of perspectives and traditions adds depth and vibrancy to our lives.
I love Mexico City! It’s my ultimate foodie paradise. There are so many options, from street food markets with delicious tacos and elotes, to fancy restaurants that mix old-school traditions with new twists. Every meal is a new adventure with a rich heritage behind it, and I enjoy trying to recreate my favorite dishes at home.
Besides being a foodie, I’m a big film buff. Directors Christopher Nolan and Hayao Miyazaki are my favorites! I also love art; you’ll often catch me painting or sketching, using different mediums to express myself. I’m drawn to artists like Hajime Sorayama and Kehinde Wiley and enjoy exploring museums whenever possible. I enjoy event planning as well – I like setting up outings and parties, making sure everyone has a great time.
Most of all, I believe in community service. I’m super passionate about giving back, especially to my hometown, Oakland. Whether it’s helping the homeless or lending a hand to nonprofits, this is what makes me feel connected to life’s purpose
Most of all, I believe in community service. I’m super passionate about giving back, especially to my hometown, Oakland. Whether it’s helping the homeless or lending a hand to nonprofits, this is what makes me feel connected to life’s purpose
Yanela
Communications Specialist
Years Working: 8 years
Years Working at TAG: Less than a year
Tab #1
Tab #2
Tab #1
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Tab #2
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.