A Selma native will attend the Aspen Ideas Festival next week in Aspen, Colorado.

Krystal Hardy Allen, CEO of K. Allen Consulting was nominated and selected across a review of 26 countries, including the United States. She’s one of 300 emerging international leaders recognized as a 2019 Aspen Institute Ideas Festival Scholar.

The Aspen Institute Festival Scholars are a diverse group of global leaders chosen for their work, accomplishments, and ability to transform ideas into action. Former U.S. Presidents, foreign heads of state, national news anchors, best-selling authors, former CNN president Walter Isaacson, Supreme Court justices have all attended the Festival.

Allen, 34, said she is honored to receive an invitation from the Aspen Ideas Festival. In Selma, Allen attended Tipton Elementary School, Shiloh Elementary School and Southside High School.

“Anywhere I am, Selma runs through my veins, and for me, that means the ability to dream without limits, work relentlessly in the face of challenges, and speak truth to power are nearly innate because that’s who we are.”  Allen said. “We are dreamers, hard workers, and stand for what is just and right.

“I’m proud to represent not only Selma, but Alabama, first generation college graduates, Black women, my family, and everything else I may symbolize for anyone or any organization I get to engage with no matter if it’s on an international, national, or local scale. This type of recognition represents what we accomplish together because I have never accomplished anything alone.”

Allen is a well-respected educator in New Orleans. She was recently named one of 2019’s 40 Most Influential Leaders under 40 in New Orleans. K. Allen Consulting is a national education consulting firm that empowers students, educators, and communities through professional development, thought leadership, and philanthropy.

Allen received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, her master’s degree in education in K-12 supervision and administration from National Louis University and is currently completing her doctorate’s degree in urban educational leadership at Columbia University.

“As an educator, African-American woman, and a first-generation college graduate, I am committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that we build life-changing, equitable, and liberating school environments where all of our children can thrive,” Allen said. “This work is personal, purpose-driven, and worth it because our children and educators deserve the very best school environments we can provide.”

Allen’s husband, Kenny Allen, is also a Selma native.