Kristin Allen, as President & CEO of Global Ties Arizona, is proud to oversee the organization’s legacy of nearly 60 years dedicated to fostering global relationships for the state of Arizona and enriching its communities through international exchange and global education initiatives. Joining in 2021 as executive director, she steered the organization through the challenges of the pandemic, revitalizing exchange programs and launching innovative initiatives aimed at bringing international affairs closer to more communities and individuals across Greater Phoenix. Notably, she has spearheaded community programs like the Young Diplomats Program, guiding high school students toward careers in international affairs, and the Worldly Women Collective, fostering inclusive dialogue among diverse women.
Kristin’s own global journey began at 16 with a transformative trip to Spain with her high school Spanish Club, shortly after the sudden passing of her father. Despite the personal hardships she was facing at the time, she made the decision to embark on this journey, recognizing the potential it held for broadening her horizons and shaping her future.
She went on to study Spanish Language and Literature in college, minoring in Peace and Conflict Studies, and studying abroad in Italy and then Spain. After graduation, Kristin decided to move abroad to fully immerse herself in the Spanish language for an extended period to reach her goal of achieving fluency. Her first stop was Managua, Nicaragua to complete a summer internship, and then continued to Seville and Madrid where she would spend the next almost six years working as an English teacher and business language coach, teaching thousands of students from grade school to seasoned business leaders. At this time, she also completed her master’s degree with New York University in Madrid.
When she returned to the U.S., Kristin stepped into bilingual roles in business and government affairs, which took her to Mexico and ultimately brought her out west from Washington DC where Arizona became her home in 2014. Kristin realized her true calling in international education and exchange in 2018, leading strategic initiatives and higher education partnerships with Mexico and Latin America for Northern Arizona University. In her current role at Global Ties Arizona, Kristin collaborates with a diverse array of stakeholders, including hundreds of emerging international leaders, a wide network of local and national partners, and students ranging from high school to university level.
Raised by a single mother, Kristin understands the barriers young people may face in pursuing their aspirations, which fuels her commitment to make global opportunities accessible to all. She recognizes the transformative impact of international experiences in shaping future leaders, inspiring her dedication to breaking down barriers and ensuring inclusivity in global education. Kristin’s leadership embodies her belief in empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to become informed, engaged global citizens, shaping a brighter and more peaceful future for all.
About Global Ties Arizona: GTAZ is the preeminent citizen diplomacy organization in Arizona focused on developing relationships between Arizonans and people from around the world. Its programs include U.S. State Department sponsored exchanges such as the International Visitor Leadership Program, educating Greater Phoenix youth about diplomacy and global affairs through the Young Diplomats program, and advancing women’s opportunities and issues through the Worldly Women Collective.
Learn more at www.GlobalTiesArizona.org.