We first met while partnering to help leaders and teams break free from cycles of inefficiency, conflict, and harm. Time and again, we saw talented people struggling. Not because they lacked commitment, but because they weren’t equipped to thrive in today’s fast-changing and complex environment.
April Allen is the co-founder of Allen & Unger Consulting and a nationally recognized leader in building actionable people strategies that transform organizations. A lawyer by training, April launched her career in Fortune 500 companies in Silicon Valley and beyond, where she honed the ability to design structures and lead change in high-pressure, complex environments. Today, those skills make her a sought-after strategist and coach. Trusted for turning organizational challenges into practical, sustainable pathways for success.
April has served as a senior DEIB executive at PeaceHealth and Daimler Trucks North America and partnered with organizations such as Starbucks, the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise. In every setting, she is known for her unique ability to bridge strategy and humanity. Crafting approaches that not only advance performance and culture but also foster resilience, trust, and belonging.
Certified in restorative justice, April is deeply committed to helping people and organizations repair relationships after harm or mistakes. She is widely recognized for equipping leaders and teams with the tools to navigate difficult conversations with honesty, clarity, and compassion, always keeping inclusion and belonging at the center.
Beyond her consulting work, April serves as an adjunct professor of Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies, and Constitutional and Business Law, where she challenges students to see the connections between law, culture, and equity in everyday life. She is also the author of two best-selling children’s books on kindness and belonging, which reflect her lifelong passion for shaping environments where people feel seen and valued.
April holds a Juris Doctorate from University of California, Hastings, a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Washington, and a Bachelors in Political Science and American Ethnic Studies.
Shawna is an experienced HR executive and coach, with over 20 years of leadership experience in talent development, leadership, and workforce strategy. She has coached and developed individuals at all levels of organizations, from frontline managers to C Suite executives in various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, aerospace, retail, and service.
In healthcare, she has served as a senior HR executive for the past two decades, guiding strategies for shared service delivery models, coaching and developing HR staff and leaders, and promoting effective leadership approaches. She has extensive experience in employee and labor relations, utilizing interest-based bargaining and mediation to build collaborative relationships with labor and union leaders.
Shawna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communications and a Master’s Degree from Trinity Western University. She is a certified SHRM Equity & Inclusion Workplace practitioner and is passionate about bringing diverse groups of people and walks of life together – and remains hopeful and optimistic that the seeming polarization and differences in the world are not the end of the story. A Pacific NW native, Shawna enjoys spending time with family and friends – ideally outside when she is not watching her beloved Seattle sports teams compete.
Where some see diversity as a program or unaffordable overhead, we show you the strategic advantage of inclusive difference.
Helping you create an organization where everyone is welcomed to the table, given a chance to speak – and voices are heard.
We offer confidential space for honesty and authenticity to enable learning and growth. Perfection isn’t possible, but forward progress is.
No one said it was easy – but the principles aren’t complicated. We outline three core pillars for a healthy and inclusive organization.
Whether you’re looking to revitalize your diversity initiatives, drive cultural transformation, or build a more inclusive workforce, our firm is your trusted partner on the journey to a brighter, more equitable future.
Washington-based, partnering with clients nationwide.
