The Founding Executive Director Rachel C. Allen is a life-long educator, national speaker, writer and peace and justice practitioner.

For the past fifteen years she has founded and directed the work of the Peace and Justice Institute, named one of the 101 things to love about Central Florida by the Orlando Sentinel and winner of the Orlando Business Journal’s Diversity in Business Awards in 2022.

In 2018 Rachel was invited to speak at a special session at the United Nations to share a credible pathway to the culture of peace and was noted as a Social Justice Game Changer by the Orlando Magic. PJI’s work to create a resilient Central Florida was recognized by the Office of the Governor and in 2021 Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer awarded PJI his Community Builder Award.