Kallie Allen's Path to National Leadership

When Kallie Allen walked into her freshman year at Blackstone Valley Technical High School, she knew her schedule would include a career course – but she didn’t know a thing about SkillsUSA Massachusetts.

Three years later, she is leading the National SkillsUSA program, after her peers elected her as president for the 2024-25 season.

“I was just automatically enrolled as a SkillsUSA member, like every other student," said Allen, who opted for the biotechnology shop.

After watching Allen evolve, her advisor suggested she consider seeking out a leadership role. In her sophomore year, she served as a state officer, attending conferences and polishing her public speaking skills. "I was so nervous at first," she said. "I had no idea what I was getting into." 

Over her time with the Massachusetts organization, Allen discovered a newfound confidence. At the officer level, students focus on applying the leadership skills they’re developing.

"SkillsUSA opened my eyes to the incredible opportunities available through career and technical education," said Allen, who is balancing her leadership responsibilities with four Advanced Placement classes. "I realized this wasn't just about competing in skills competitions - it was about developing the whole package, from technical expertise to essential employability skills."

Growing leadership skills

In her junior year, Allen captured the state presidency, becoming the first student from Blackstone Valley Tech to hold that top position.

"I was so honored, but also terrified," said Allen, who also is captain of the varsity lacrosse team, where she plays midfielder. "I knew I had big shoes to fill."

As state president, Allen crisscrossed Massachusetts to connect with SkillsUSA chapters and advocate for the importance of skills education. Again, with her advisor’s support, she started to consider advancing into the national leadership ranks.

"My advisor kept telling me I had what it took to be a national officer," she said. "At first, I wasn't sure. The national competition seemed so daunting. But she believed in me, and eventually, I started to believe in myself, too."

The process included written exams, interviews and a campaign speech in front of hundreds of her peers. At the end of a leadership training week in July with a few dozen other students, her peers selected her as president.

"Standing on that stage, surrounded by 17,000 SkillsUSA members, was the most incredible moment of my life," she said. "I realized that this was exactly where I was meant to be: Using my voice to inspire and empower the next generation of skilled professionals."

Advocating for the future

As national president, Allen is advocating for skills and technical education. In September, she spent five days in Washington, D.C., meeting with members of Congress and officials with the U.S. Department of Labor to seek greater federal funding and support for students choosing these career paths – specifically meeting with representatives of her home state’s legislators, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren. She’s also designing and leading advocacy workshops for members across the country.

"Kallie is a true inspiration," said Karen Ward, executive director of SkillsUSA Massachusetts. "She's not just a skilled biotechnology student; she's a dynamic leader who understands the transformative power of personal, workplace, and technical skills education and training. Her passion and dedication are contagious, and she's making a real difference in the lives of our members."

Allen’s favorite part of her still-young national presidency has been connecting with SkillsUSA members to deliver robust experiences and help them set goals for their time with the organization. "These students are the future of our workforce, and they're already so skilled and driven. Many of them are already on paths to run their own businesses by the age of 25," she said. "I feel so lucky to be able to learn from them and support them on their journeys."

Next year, Allen plans to leverage her growing knowledge from her biotechnology courses when she heads to college. She wants to study biomedical engineering and eventually design prosthetics and other life-changing devices.

"SkillsUSA has given me the confidence and the skills to chase my dreams," Allen said. "I can't wait to see what the future holds."