Meet Joy Allen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Allen.

Hi Joy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey started with a simple goal. “Just for fun” I wanted to learn to shoot a handgun. In 2016, my husband arranged for me to take an introductory course, and I fell in love. I felt empowered. It was fun. Shooting became my therapy. Professionally, I’m a Clinical Research professional. I have also served as a pastor since 2007. So, community service and wellness are of the utmost importance to me. As I began to do my homework and grow in my new hobby, I quickly realized the discrepancies defined by gender, ethnicity, and economics regarding Second Amendment education and access. For me, this was an opportunity to make a difference.

In 2017, I started E3 Personal Defense & Safety, LLC, providing world-class safety, personal defense, situational awareness, and foundational firearm training to communities where such resources are scarce by partnering with churches and community groups, women’s associations, small businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Our business model allows us to give back, which I’m most proud of. To take things one step further, we also Sponsored and started a women’s gun club, InHER Piece, in 2022. The purpose of this organization is to provide a “safe place” for all women for training and fellowship. Women of color and women with economic challenges are arguably the demographic that need self-protection the most. However, their resources and access are most scarce. InHER Piece empowers women from all walks of life through firearms training and personal protection education without the intimidation of political, gender, or socioeconomic agendas. We utilize business alliances, community outreach, and corporate resources to ensure every woman has access to the tools, education, and information necessary to exercise her Second Amendment rights safely.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
This journey has not been a smooth one. I have been blessed with some of the best and most knowledgeable mentors one could desire. But to find them, I had to endure some challenges. As an African-American woman, I walked into many classrooms as the only female attendee, requiring that I listen to sexist jokes and comments throughout the day. I’ve endured staring at Confederate flags to get through a course. I’ve heard countless racially insensitive remarks. This is why I set out to make a change. The face of 2A had to change. I and many others recognized this and decided to be proactive in changing the narrative.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am incredibly proud of my “9 to 5” business. For almost 25 years, I’ve worked in Clinical Research, filling roles in Biostatistics, Clinical Data Management, Project Management, and Clinical Operations. Currently, I lead a Clinical Data Management team specializing in Prostate Cancer Research. I am most proud of my career because I work in an industry that has only recently become aware of the importance of Diversity and Inclusion. Through hard work and dedication, I’ve been able to work my way up to an Executive leadership role, and I am most proud that I’ve been able to “pay it forward” and mentor other women of color, helping them to discover and grow in the field of Clinical Research.

What do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck, but I certainly believe in God. I was created for a purpose, and I believe that God’s favor has given me access to the people and resources I need to be successful in my endeavors. Quite simply, I love God, and I love people. All of them, from the role of a pastor to an executive and even as a firearms instructor, allow me to help others! This is the reason for my accomplishments.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.e3personaldefense.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/e3personaldefense
• Facebook: facebook.com/e3personaldefense
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/joyallen
• Twitter: twitter.com/drjoyallen
• Youtube: youtube.com/@e3personaldefense

Image Credits
Jasmine N. Allen