Dear Mixed Girl: Dr. KayLa N. Allen’s Path to Confidence, Diversity, and Inclusion
Dr. KayLa N. Allen is the visionary behind Dear Mixed Girl, a groundbreaking multicultural coaching program designed to support and uplift girls and women from mixed or multicultural backgrounds. Through a combination of written letters, journals, blogs, and motivational speaking, Dear Mixed Girl creates a safe space for individuals navigating the complexities of identity, external judgment, and belonging. Dr. Allen’s work addresses crucial issues like diversity, equity, inclusion, and self-efficacy, helping her audience build confidence and maintain dignity in the face of societal pressures. With a passion for empowering others, she is committed to equipping girls and women to live fulfilling, authentic lives, free from the weight of others’ judgement.
Let’s begin with an introduction. We'd love to hear more about you—your business, your life's mission, and what brings you happiness.
My name is Dr. KayLa N. Allen. I am the creator of Dear Mixed Girl - Dear Mixed Girl is a multicultural coaching program, a source of written letters, journals, blogs, articles, etc., and a motivational speaking source for girls (and their parents/caregivers) and women of all ages who come from multicultural or “mixed” backgrounds. Dear Mixed Girl addresses identity and methods of addressing concerns such as external judgment, belonging, diversity, equity, inclusion, addressing college life, maintaining dignity, and increasing self-efficacy. What brings me happiness is the freedom to encourage, empower, and co-equip girls and women of diverse backgrounds (multicultural/biracial) to live the lives they deserve - free from being overwhelmed by outside judgment.
Everyone has their tough moments. We want you to tell us about your last rough patch, and how you got through it.
The last major time I had to overcome an obstacle, it felt more like having to jump over several hurdles blindfolded. When I was finishing my doctoral program, I faced what I would like to call "the wolves". While I was already tackling everything life was throwing my way, I had to fight to the finish against my review committee in my program. It hurt me in more ways than one, but I refused to give up. After eight iterations of my capstone paper/project, Dr. KayLa came to life. Believe it or not, that moment is still teaching me that what I need to succeed is living inside of me - I just have to be willing to face the challenges and use the tools I have on hand.
Based off of your experiences and what you’ve seen those around you face, what do you think is the biggest challenge for women in business today?
I think the biggest challenge women in business face is themselves. Every time we reach a space of pivot, new growth, or giant change on the horizon, we have to address the woman in the mirror. Meanwhile, said the woman in the mirror is learning who this new woman is and learning to happily transform her - not backing down from what life is showing her. Only when we are able to have emotional intelligence and self-awareness can we reach the next levels in life.
Growing up, what did you see yourself doing as an adult? What was your dream job?
The younger version of myself went through a few phases of wanting to help others (as an adult). I wanted to be a doctor, but outside judgment "made me" curl into a little ball of unworthiness. Then I wanted to be a genetic engineer, but my immediate environment and several horrible relationships tainted my soul. Nevertheless, I still wanted to do something to help other people by being myself, sharing my experiences, and fueling my educational journey for a lifetime.
If you could speak to all of the businesswomen in the world right now, what would you say?
“The only thing that can stop you is you.”
- Dr. Kayla N. Allen
I would give women in business this advice: The only thing that can stop you is you. That phrase is used over and over again, but I don't think people fully understand it. You stopping yourself can look like choosing to lie in bed instead of watching a webinar that could really help your business grow. It can look like living inside of your pain, instead of seeking help - in turn, giving yourself love, empowerment, and support. It can also look like consuming your moment of perceived failure and making it your end all be all. You are in charge of you and God is always there inside of you and fully aware of your future - so, for what more could you ask?
Last, but definitely not least; where will our readers be able to find you?
Readers can find me on social media here. Also, they can learn more about Dear Mixed Girl via my website: dearmixedgirl.com
