MEET Dr. Sandra Allen
Dr. Sandra Allen is the founder of Faith8 Ministries International, a virtual church without walls. The number eight symbolizes new beginnings, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to renewal and transformation. She enjoys international traveling, public speaking, creative writing, mentoring, and teaching Christian education. Dr. Allen’s Christian Walk was deeply rooted in the early influences of her grandparents and her second-grade teacher, Dr. Linda Paramore. She committed to her faith during her studies at Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan, where she played an instrumental role in co-founding Greater Living, a campus ministry that expanded to more than 100 members within four years. The legacy of this accomplishment is attributed to the spiritual leadership of Bishop Robert E. Simmons, Pastor of Living Word Ministry, Pontiac, Michigan.
In her role as a Christian educator, Dr. Allen aims to inspire and support individuals in achieving their potential. She delivers weekly addresses through multiple media channels to audiences in the United States and abroad. Her ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures distinguishes her work, and her message of love, hope, and encouragement.
Dr. Allen is widely recognized for her outstanding accomplishments as a television producer, director, and marketing strategist. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to innovation, technical mastery, and impactful leadership within governments and the broadcasting industry.
During her tenure at Comcast, Dr. Allen honed her broadcasting skills and deepened her understanding of media operations. Her experience at one of the nation's largest cable providers proved to be a pivotal foundation for her subsequent achievements. Through her work at Comcast, she gained invaluable insights into the complexities of television production, program development, strategic marketing, and advertising.
Dr. Allen’s expertise was instrumental in the creation and successful launch of WCOT, the City of Tallahassee’s Emmy Award-winning television station. As both the designer and facilitator of the station's construction, she showcased exceptional vision and technical proficiency.
Through Dr. Allen’s dedication and foresight, WCOT not only achieved industry recognition but also set new benchmarks for municipal broadcasting. Her work has empowered the City of Tallahassee to connect with its residents through high-quality programming and community-driven content. Dr. Allen’s legacy continues to inspire professionals in media and marketing, highlighting the transformative power of leadership and innovation in broadcasting.
Beyond her technical work in media, Dr. Allen was a key reporter/host, focusing on policies, community events, and public services. Her reporting helped inform and connect the residents of Tallahassee, making complex government topics accessible, transparent, and relevant to the community.
In her tenure at the City of Tallahassee, Dr. Allen also guided an exceptionally skilled marketing team that became the nation's pioneers in promoting Smart Meters and energy and water conservation initiatives, like Neighborhood Reach, Nights and Weekends, among others. These efforts earned the City of Tallahassee several prestigious national awards and recognitions.
Her dedication to volunteerism and advocacy has earned her recognition among Tallahassee’s 25 Women You Need to Know by the Tallahassee Democrat.
Dr. Allen holds a B.A. in Communications from Oakland University, CPM certification from Florida State University, and M.S. in Journalism from Florida A&M University, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy and Religious Education from International Seminary. Dr. Allen’s academic and spiritual pursuits were encouraged by Dr. Cherie McCoy, and her passion for sharing the gospel was ignited by the late Bishop John H. Shaw of Mobile, AL. She was later ordained as Pastor by Bishop Frank McLeod, God’s House of Prayer Holiness Church in Auburn, AL. Her inspiration comes from Hab. 2:2 (NKJV): “Write the vision, and make [it] plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”
Dr. Allen’s vision is centered on fostering a world that promotes genuine love and compassion, following the example set by Jesus Christ. She believes that by encouraging individuals to embrace forgiveness, understanding, and empathy, communities can be transformed into places of unity and mutual respect. Her mission is to inspire people to live out this vision daily, fostering acts of kindness and selfless service that reflect Christ’s teachings. Through her leadership and ministry, Dr. Allen seeks to elevate others to share this vision, creating a ripple effect of positive change that transcends boundaries and brings people together in harmony.
