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Monique Allen, president of ACMS Northwest, has spent 28 years building a career dedicated to advancing diversity and opportunity in the architecture, engineering and construction industry.

A Portland State University graduate, Allen oversees the Design Division at ACMS Northwest, founded in 2013 with CEO Laurie Allen. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping a company where women and people of color comprise 65 percent of the staff, while 100 percent of the executive team comes from traditionally disadvantaged backgrounds. The firm’s CEO, president and operations managers are all women and people of color, reflecting a commitment to inclusive leadership in an industry that has historically lacked diversity.

Allen actively creates pathways for women and minorities to pursue careers in project management, construction management, inspection services and engineering. Under her guidance, ACMS emphasizes cultural diversity in hiring, ensuring the team reflects the communities it serves.

On Nov. 1, Allen assisted with the official opening of ACMS’ new Seattle office. She also mentors staff members internally as they grow within the company and transition into new or expanding positions.

Allen serves as a key sponsor and advocate for STEM outreach efforts targeting youth from preschool through community college. She participates annually with Friends of Trees and National Polar Bear Day, investing in the next generation through partnerships with programs like Engineering for Kids, a Portland-based initiative that introduces engineering concepts to children ages 4 to 12. Allen regularly visits classrooms with ACMS staff to share real-world applications of engineering, safety and construction, helping students see women and people of color in every role from engineer to project manager.

Allen engages with local schools including Boise-Elliot Middle School and Jefferson High School, offering career talks, internships and job-shadowing opportunities for high school seniors. Her involvement with Oregon Tradeswomen includes volunteering and speaking at events like the Tradeswomen Leadership Institute Conference.

Allen’s mentorship extends through collaboration with organizations including Women’s Transportation Seminar, Women in Environment, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, the National Association of Minority Contractors and the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs. She mentored a group of BIPOC women for Women in Environment, contributing to the empowerment and professional development of underrepresented individuals in the industry.

Allen currently serves on the board of Women’s Transportation Seminar. In 2024, she received the organization’s Woman of the Year recognition. The Oregon Department of Transportation recognized Allen as one of the lead women working on the I-205 Abernethy Bridge Improvements project, the first megaproject to break ground in 45 years.