Dr. Danisha Allen, a BCP Board Member since February 2017, is a pathologist with Lifebridge Health and St. Agnes Hospital. Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) recently spoke with her about her joy in giving back to Baltimore City Public Schools, which educated her.
Q: What does it mean to you to serve on the BCP board?
Dr. Allen: Serving on the BCP board is an incredibly rewarding experience that resonates on a deep and personal level. I was educated in the public school system (K-12) in Baltimore where I received a quality education and a firm foundation for undergraduate and professional graduate studies. Serving on the BCP board bolsters my personal values and commitment to community service.
To me, it means being part of a collective force that has an unwavering commitment to being proactive in providing a solid educational foundation to students in underserved communities and striving to make a tangible difference. It’s about stewardship, responsibility, and the opportunity to contribute my insights towards a greater cause for potential future leaders. The role offers a sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing our decisions and actions directly influence the well-being and growth of the communities we serve. It’s a platform not just for governance but for advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, which are all aspects I hold in high regard. I would like for the BCP to collaborate with Microsoft to implement a code academy and stimulate STEM learning.
Q: How is this service different from your other civic/volunteer activities?
Dr. Allen: My service on the BCP board stands out from my other civic and volunteer activities primarily in the opportunities to engage on a high level, rather than simply contributing time and efforts. This role requires a deeper understanding of financial stewardship, and long-term planning, which is different from the more hands-on, direct service work I do in other settings. The members comprise a diverse group of individuals spanning various career sectors. Serving on the BCP board is about contributing to the foundational structure that embodies our initiatives, ensuring sustainability and effectiveness in meeting our community’s needs.
Q: How did you learn about BCP and how did you get involved on the board?
Dr. Allen: I learned about BCP in 2016 through a former professional acquaintance who knows George [Hess, co-founder of the BCP and current co-president]. He thought this would be something I could potentially be interested in, being from Baltimore City. My motivation for joining the BCP board was driven by a strong desire to leverage my professional skills and personal experiences to hopefully make a meaningful impact.
The role presented a unique challenge that I felt was a way to give back to the community and help other inner-city youth, as I once was, who needed an opportunity for growth and success. In my current line of work, learning is a continuous process. I relish the ability to constantly learn from other seasoned board members and appreciate being able to present my personal perspective to the table, working collaboratively to drive our organization’s goals. Ultimately, it’s the potential for effecting lasting, positive change against the odds that continues to fuel my commitment as a board member.
About Dr. Allen
Pathology and Cytopathology Specialist, Lifebridge Health, affiliated with St. Agnes Hospital
Graduate of Western High School, Baltimore City Public Schools
B.S., Biology, Morgan State University
M.D., George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Brown University Medical Center, Fellowship in gastrointestinal pathology and liver pathology
Georgetown University Hospital, Fellowship in Cytopathology
Board Certifications: Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and Cytopathology, American Board of Pathology
