Today we’d like to introduce you to April Allen.
Hi April, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Q: One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I think it’s a matter of growing into your authentic self and being comfortable with who you are. Early in my career, I realized the benefits of being “me” in the workplace. Some of that comes from growing up in Toronto, which is a diverse cultural melting pot. That environment taught me how to adjust to lots of different people and work styles, and the best way I could do that was to just be who I am.
When you’re sincere and authentic, people know it and they’re drawn to it. For my part, I’ve leaned into it purposely and built relationships based on that. I really try not to lead with what I’ve accomplished or my competencies and just let my track record speak for itself. I don’t mind being underestimated and then let my actions speak louder than any words. For example, when I stepped into this role and we first got the concept for Halperin Park underway over five years ago, we heard a lot of skepticism about whether or not this project was real. I just kept pushing through, along with a lot of hope and a prayer, knowing in my heart that this is something for us to really be proud of because it’s a big, big idea for our city.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Q: Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc. If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc.
I serve as President and CEO of the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation, overseeing the Halperin Park project in Oak Cliff, which we call “a park with a purpose.” It’s more than five acres of new urban green space that will serve as a focal point for development, economic revitalization and more access to amenities for the community. Our team feels strongly that the park signifies hope and opportunity for a historically under-resourced community. We’re seeing that transformational element happening already, and we know it can help redefine our city by literally changing the map of Dallas.
It’s exciting because Oak Cliff hasn’t seen this kind of project in recent memory, even decades, really. The park literally bridges the divide created by construction of the I-35 freeway back in the 1950s and 1960s, transforming a decades-old barrier into a bridge that reconnects neighborhoods and strengthens community ties.
I also believe we’re highlighting the prettiest area of the city – with big trees and a hilly topography – as well as a beautiful confluence of culture and art that’s happening right now. Halperin Park will be a new space that serves people as a connective hub, not just as a space for visiting but for belonging, too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Q: What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
If you feel you’re lacking an important competency, then by all means go for it. But my sense is that you can make more of an impact by building a team that’s strong where you might be weak and empowering them to do what they do best. It just makes sense to bring in others who are better and smarter than you in those areas. It’s difficult to be good at everything – no one really is. But it’s good to have the self-awareness to know when you have growth opportunities as well as blind spots.
Q: If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Just three? That’s hard. One, resilience in face of challenges. Two, empathy. Building connections and understanding people goes a long way to shared success. Three, being purpose-driven and clear about your “why” and then aligning decisions with that. I’d also add intentionality and self-assurance, which are both about believing in yourself and your vision. And finally, doing work that truly serves others.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Q: Who are the local entrepreneurs, professionals or creatives that you know and admire? Where can we learn from them (website and email address that might be relevant)?
I admire For Oak Cliff and their CEO, Taylor Toynes. He and his team have built a formidable organization and physical space in support of our community in myriad ways. I love what they’re doing to reinvigorate the lives of people in Oak Cliff of all ages and our team loves engaging in their work.
https://www.foroakcliff.org/
I’m a big fan of the work being done by Proxy Properties. They specialize in adaptive reuse development, which is all about preserving a building that was built for one purpose and using it for something new. We’re proud to catalyze economic investment in the neighborhood surrounding the park and have recently moved our offices to East Dock, a development that traces its roots back to the 1890s as an industrial site.
https://www.proxypropertymgmt.com/
I love CocoAndré Chocolatier, which was founded almost 17 years ago by the mother-daughter team of Andrea and Cindy Pedraza. I love grabbing a dirty horchata or dark chocolate pistachio bark for a sweet treat. They also host amazing events and markets including their Dia De los Muertos Block Party which is a huge draw each year. You can get their products at their website and at Olmo Market in Elmwood!
https://cocoandre.com/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.halperinpark.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halperinpark/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HalperinPark
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sg-halperin-park/
