After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree in her home country of Canada, April Allen earned an MBA from Harvard University. She thought she’d live in New York City but instead moved to Dallas to work for Neiman Marcus Group. Community work in the city led her to change course and take the helm of Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation, which will support and oversee a new five-acre deck park spanning Interstate 35-E between Ewing and Marsalis Avenues. “It’s the right time and place for this effort, which will transform our city and community,” she says.
The organization is set to begin construction on the park amenities this summer and have it ready to open to the public at the end of 2024. She sees the park with the purpose of knitting east and west Oak Cliff back together while catalyzing investment and transformation in the long-neglected southern sector of the city.
BIRTHPLACE
Toronto, Canada
EDUCATION
Harvard University (MBA), University of Waterloo (BAS)
FIRST JOB
“I worked at a mall in a popcorn store, making $3.90 an hour. I balanced this job with school and sports. I learned the value of a dollar, hard work, customer service, and multitasking.”
BEST ADVICE
“Work harder than the person sitting next to you and make time to build relationships—from the person sweeping floors to the CEO.”
DINNER PARTY
“I’d choose Gary Kelly, the former CEO of Southwest Airlines. I love that he was able to maintain a strong, positive corporate culture, through strong growth. I’d also choose Cynt Marshall of the Mavericks. She was entrusted with a cultural turnaround in a new industry in one of Dallas’ most visible roles. She is a personal inspiration.”
DESTINATIONS OF CHOICE
“Hawaii’s Big Island and Toronto, Canada”
HOBBY/PASSION
“I am a gardening nerd. I love reading about gardening, videos, and following others who talk about seeds, plants, natives, and pollinator-friendly gardens.”
INDUSTRY CHANGE
“I wish more philanthropists would approach giving like MacKenzie Scott—no jumping through hoops, no restrictions; just support and trust in the organization to make a difference.”
GO-TO ADVISERS
“I seek advice from my husband and trusted friends from school.”
TOUGHEST CHALLENGE
“Building awareness and presence for a nonprofit with no brand identity in southern Dallas.”
FIRST CAR
“A white Nissan 240SX 2- door sports car”
PROUD MOMENT
“Hitting the milestone of raising 75 percent of funds needed for Southern Gateway Park.”
A BETTER DALLAS
“I want to see more young people from underrepresented backgrounds be involved in decision-making.”
PIVOTAL MOMENT
“I had a plan to move to NYC after grad school. I lived there for a summer internship and realized I loved to visit New York, but not live there. So, I had to be open to other opportunities. Moving to Dallas was one of those opportunities. I met my husband here; we’re now raising two little Texans and I’m proud to be leading this project for our city.”
WALK-UP SONG
“I’d choose ‘I am Woman’ by Emmy Meli.”
MUST-LISTEN
“I recommend The Daily, produced by The New York Times.”
SPIRIT ANIMAL
“Honeybee”
ALTERNATE REALITY
“I’d be growing flowers on a flower farm. I just can’t get enough of it.”
FUTURE FORECAST
“I’m excited by the trajectory of southern Dallas, our city, and our next gen leaders.”
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