Leadership Team
James H. Allen
( Principal )
Since 2001, Mr. Allen has served as Principal of the Knowledge-First Empowerment Center. Through his vision, Knowledge-First, has created an accredited educational environment of learning aimed at motivating students to do more than just acquire knowledge. “At Knowledge-First, we believe education should not only address the intellectual capacities, but should be a matter of attaining proficiencies that lead to lifelong resiliency.” We believe, as did Plato, that the purpose and ultimate value of education is not to stick thoughts into the pupils’ head, but inspire them to think for themselves.
As a University of Houston graduate with a Bachelor in Music and a Masters in Education, James has sung with the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, and he is a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Before arriving at Knowledge-First, James served over 25 years as an educator and assistant principal in the Houston Independent School District. While with the district, he empowered students to maximize their potential, discover the importance of education, work to break the cycle of dysfunctional behaviors and learned to create their own personal significance.
In 2013, Mr. Allen transformed Knowledge-First into an accredited K-12 Academy. This accreditation allows students who have dropout out of school because of personal hardships, an opportunity to return to school and obtain their high school diploma.
As a 501 (c)(3), Knowledge-First has received major funding which has supported this very unique paradigm. In 2010, Mr. Allen was presented in Who’s Who In Black Houston for his outstanding contribution and service in education to the City of Houston. A Houston, Texas native, Mr. Allen is married and the proud father of Thaddeus, Lauren and Gian.
Earnestine Allience
( Registrar )
Earnestine has over 10 years of customer service experience with over five of those years being management level. Earnestine has excellent organizational and leadership skills which propelled her into an Assistant General Manager role of a fortune 500 company in just two years. She has a great thirst for knowledge and continues to create and accomplish goals. She excels in leadership roles and aspires to help others in any way possible.
Earnestine has been with KFEC for five years filling the position of Office Manager, and was recently promoted to Operations Manager/Registrar. She also strongly believes in KFEC's mission to break down barriers and create lasting relationships with people from every nation.
Alexa enjoys spending her free time with her young son & boyfriend, reading, listening to podcasts & spending time at the gym.