Our Leadership: Raina Harper Allen

Raina Harper Allen is a highly accomplished community leader and advocate with an extensive background in combating systemic racism in public and private organizations across Delaware.

Raina serves as Director of the Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative (DRJC) at the United Way of Delaware. In this capacity, she oversees the DRJC's legislative agenda, expands partnerships with the corporate community, and works with the state's school districts to implement learning pods in high-need communities.

Additionally, she leverages the DRJC's collective influence to drive systematic change at the state, regional, and local levels. She advances the group's action plans across several areas: Criminal Justice, Education, Wealth Creation, Health Equity, Diversity/Equity and Inclusion, and Youth and Young People. Before assuming her current role at DRJC, Raina was the Legislative and Communications Director for Wilmington City Council.

Raina started her career mainly focusing on social justice and race issues. Her unwavering impact began as chief researcher for DeWayne Wickham, founder of the National Association of Black Journalists and a former USA Today syndicated columnist. She began her public service career with the Office of Economic Development of the City of Wilmington to support minority business development.

Raina has served as a Congressional Fellow to Congressman Artur Davis (AL) and co-ran the Institute for Advanced Journalism Studies at Delaware State University with DeWayne Wickham, which aimed at assisting journalists of color. She also led initiatives centered around financial literacy as the Special Assistant to then-State Treasurer Jack Markell.

Additionally, Raina's extensive experience led her to assume the Director of Community Engagement and Programs role for Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn. In this capacity, she worked closely with various nonprofits and faith-based organizations to build meaningful relationships and maximize their capabilities. Some other community organizations that have benefited from Raina's passion and expertise include the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware.

Raina earned a MA in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware and a BA in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park.