2005 POINT SCHOLARS

Tanene Allison

Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government

Tanene grew up in a conservative town without any form of a support network. After skipping her senior year of high school, she moved to San Francisco on her own, with no money and knowing no one. While attending San Francisco State University, Tanene often crashed at friends’ houses and stayed in a homeless shelter to survive. Despite these obstacles, Tanene was appointed to political office at age 19 and served as an advisor to San Francisco’s Mayor and Board of Supervisors. Upon earning her BA, Tanene attended Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She believes in the power of politics, art and progressive coalition building as ways to expand access to justice and opportunity for all.

In Tanene’s own words: “There is beauty in our work for justice and equality, in that we share stories of creating hope where before there was none. Whether through policy, art or community building, it is an honor to be a part of such work.”