We were lucky to catch up with Joy Allen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
When I think about what equipped me to thrive in spaces where I’m the only one who looks like me, I always go back to my roots. Resilience was woven into me from childhood by the people who raised me and loved me the most.
My grandparents grew up in a very different era, one marked by limitations and expectations that could have easily crushed a lesser spirit. Yet they carried themselves with dignity and pride. They taught us to do the same. Their message was clear: Stand tall. Know who you are. Have faith in God. And be excellent in everything, at least twice as good as anyone else. In their eyes, being “twice as good” wasn’t about pressure, but power. It meant making sure no one could ever claim you merely got by.
Then there were the women like my mother, my grandmothers, and my aunties. The queens of our family were (and are) women who could make a dress in the morning and change a tire in the afternoon. They ran their homes with grace, honored God, loved their husbands, raised their children, and still carried a quiet strength that made you feel safe just being near them. But don’t get it twisted. They didn’t operate from a mindset of not needing a man. They operated from the belief that there is something beautiful about being capable, prepared, and self-sufficient. They understood the true balance of strength and softness.
Growing up surrounded by that mixture of resilience and faith prepared me for every room I’ve ever walked into. It’s still not easy, but when I find myself as the “only one,” I don’t shrink. I remember that I am worthy of taking up space. I lean into the legacy I carry. I remember who I represent. And I show up with the confidence of a woman who comes from people who taught me that identity is not defined by the room you’re in, but by the strength you bring into it. As I always say, “Being the first is hard. But if you do it right, you won’t be the last!”
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
From a career perspective, I’ve spent more than 25 years in Clinical Research, primarily supporting oncology trials through various roles in Biostatistics and Clinical Data Management. It’s work that allows me to contribute to something larger than myself, helping bring forward treatments that offer hope and healing to patients and families. I genuinely love what I do, and I take pride in leading teams, shaping data strategy, and ensuring the integrity of studies that can change lives.
Alongside that professional path, ministry has been a core part of who I am. I’ve served as a pastor since 2007, and those years of teaching, counseling, and walking with people through every season of life have deeply shaped how I lead both personally and professionally. My faith in The Most High has certainly strengthened my heart for service, community, and empowerment.
Those same values inspired my entrepreneurial journey with E3 Personal Defense, which I founded to help others build confidence in their personal safety and situational awareness. Through E3, we offer firearms training, self-defense education, and practical safety instruction designed to help people feel capable and prepared.
From that mission grew InHER Piece, our women’s outreach initiative dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces for women to learn, train, and grow in confidence. What makes InHER Piece special is the mix of empowerment, community, and skill-building that happens every time we gather.
Right now, we’re expanding both E3 and InHER Piece with new programs, trainings, and community-focused events aimed at reaching even more women and families. My focus, whether in research, ministry, or personal defense, is always the same: helping people step boldly into who they were created to be, equipped and confident in every area of their lives.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
That’s a great question. First, I’ve have to say resilience. Don’t give up!. Growing up, I learned early how to “figure it out” and “keep on moving” even when the room was uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or unwelcoming. That ability to endure, adapt, and keep pressing forward has carried me through every major chapter of my life. For those just starting out, remember that success is a decision. Recognize every small victory. Learn from mistakes. And embrace the strength that challenges create in you.
Next, I would highlight discernment. In short, let God help! Discernment and godly wisdom helped me understand people, read environments, and choose my battles wisely. Remain still, humble, and faithful. Learn to pray and listen. And by all means, learn from the mistakes of others, and take their words of guidance. Wisdom is hard to come by, so when you encounter wise counsel, embrace it.
And finally, be excellent. Do it right or not at all! Whatever you put your hands to, do it well. Excellence opened doors, kept them open, and often spoke louder than my presence in spaces where I was the only one like me. I’ve never been perfect, but I’ve always been intentional. Just be thoughtful. Be prepared. Be accountable. Treat every opportunity as practice for the bigger moments ahead.
Here’s my advice… Invest in who you are becoming just as much as what you are doing. When your character grows, your capacity grows. When your capacity grows, your influence expands. And when your influence expands, there’s no room you can’t walk into with confidence.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My husband, Chris, and my children, Jaaron and Jasmine, have walked with me through every high and every low. They’ve seen the long nights, the tough decisions, the pivots, the disappointments, and the victories, everything!
They are my biggest cheerleaders. My husband has always believed in me, even in moments when I struggled to believe in myself. He gives me room to dream, room to lead, and room to evolve, and he supports me in every way possible. My children have grown up watching me juggle ministry, my career, and entrepreneurship, and instead of resenting the journey, they lean into it with pride. Their encouragement reminds me that nothing I do is in vain.
All three of them keep me grounded, focused, and motivated. They celebrate me, challenge me, pray for me, and push me to keep moving forward. And in a world that can be demanding and unpredictable, having a home base filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support makes all the difference. I wouldn’t have accomplished anything without them. I’m so grateful to God for #TeamAllen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://e3personaldefense.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/e3personaldefense
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/e3personaldefense
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/joyallen
Image Credits
Jasmine Allen
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