Together We Bake Announces Tricia Allen as New Executive Director

Together We Bake (TWB) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Tricia Allen as our new Executive Director! With a wealth of experience in inclusive economic development, workforce development, policy advocacy, and community wealth building, Tricia brings a unique and robust skill set to lead our organization into its next chapter of empowering women and fostering pathways to economic prosperity.

In late June, we launched an extensive search process for a new Executive Director, in partnership with search firm WorkRenewed. We are thrilled to announce that the Board selected Tricia to serve as the new ED and lead Together We Bake into its new phase of development, growth, and impact. 

"On behalf of the Together We Bake board of directors, we are thrilled that Tricia Allen is our next Executive Director," says TWB Board Chair Erica Anaya. "With a fresh perspective and a proven commitment to our mission, Tricia brings incredible energy, wide ranging experience, strategic insight, compassion, joy and vision. Her dedication to creating positive change is exactly what we need to drive our mission forward, and elevate our impact."

With more than 20 years of leadership experience, Tricia has a proven track record of driving organizational success, building and leading diverse teams, and creating innovative programs that maximize community impact. Her accomplishments include creating a workforce development program for individuals facing barriers to employment, developing sector partnerships, active participation in national discussions on the Good Jobs/Job Quality Framework, and launching a business accelerator for BIPOC social entrepreneurs. She also played a key role in advocating for Baby Bonds policies and legislation.

"I am truly honored and excited to join Together We Bake...[and] am deeply committed to building on the incredible body of work, expanding our reach to grow our impact in meaningful ways, and deepening our commitment to belonging, dignity, social justice, and economic equity," says Tricia. "Together, we will create lasting change in the lives of the women we serve and successfully guide the organization to even greater heights."

About Tricia

Tricia most recently served as Chief Program Officer for the Economic Development Association for Black Communities (EDABC), where she crafted inclusive economic strategies and programs designed to enhance economic and labor market outcomes for African Americans and under-resourced communities. 

"[TWB's] mission to create pathways to job training and access to quality jobs that pay a family-sustaining wage speaks to my core professional values and personal experiences," says Tricia. "I firmly believe that providing women with the tools, confidence, and opportunities to achieve financial independence is one of the most powerful ways to foster lasting change in families and communities."

Prior to her role at EDABC, Tricia was the Vice President of Community Impact at Mile High United Way (MHUW), where she led the organization’s strategic vision for economic opportunity and managed programs such as Careers United, Tax Help Colorado, Bridging the Gap, and United for Business. She also spearheaded the creation of the Building Success Accelerator for BIPOC founders.

Earlier in her career, Tricia served as President and CEO of a regional economic development organization, where she was a trusted leader and champion for business and economic growth, delivering visionary leadership and driving impactful change in the community.

In addition to her professional achievements, Tricia is deeply committed to serving her community. She serves on the boards of CEDS Finance, Social Venture Partners Denver, Metropolitan Diversity & Equity Partners, and Montbello Organizing Committee’s Building Success Policy Council. She is also an active member of Level Leaders, supporting Black women-owned startups, and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Tricia graduated from McKinsey & Company’s prestigious Black Executive Leadership Program and Leadership Denver. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Political Science and Africana Studies and certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida and Social Impact Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania. She earned the Just Communities Accredited Practitioner credential from the Partnership for Southern Equity.

Originally from Colorado, Tricia is a small business owner who enjoys spending time with her husband, Greg, and their dog, Shadow, as well as reading, attending plays and concerts, and cheering on her favorite sports teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Broncos, and Ohio State University football.

The Future We're Baking

Our board, staff, and current Executive Director/Co-Founder Stephanie are working together to ensure a smooth and supportive transition for Tricia when she officially steps into her role in early December. 

We are excited to welcome Tricia to Together We Bake and look forward to the future impact we will create together in the community under her leadership!