Staff: Miles Allen

Miles Allen has served youth and his community for the last fifteen years. As a former Friend and then manager at the Friends of the Children – Portland, he has seen the tremendous impact the program has had on the community. He is excited to be a part of Friends of the Children’s effort to create generational change. While working as a program manager, Miles was focused heavily on children in foster care and LGBTQ+ youth. He understands the impact the foster care system has on young people and their families. He also understands how children with multiple identities have experienced barriers, and he strives to ensure youth are able to achieve their goals.

Miles is excited for the National Center of Excellence for Professional Youth Mentoring to come to life. After 30+ years of learning best practices for youth, Friends of the Children has committed a world centerpiece devoted to growing the field of youth mentoring, researching and innovating best practices, collaborative thought leadership, and action. Miles is honored to lead this work and growing and deepening the impact of Friends of the Children.

Miles has an M.Ed. and MBA from Portland State University and a bachelor’s degree from University of Oregon (Go Ducks!). Miles lives in Portland with his husband, Devlin, and their cats. He enjoys hiking, working in the garden, reading, and spending time with his family and friends.