Fran Allen is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating from Central High School, she joined the military and served nearly eight active duty years in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Her military occupational specialty (MOS) was military law and subsequent to her honorable military service, Allen graduated from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business.

Allen is the author of three self published books, How To Get An "A" In Life, Been Through… Going Through… The Journey and Words to Live By. Additionally, she is the former Deputy Campaign Manager for Congressman Elijah E. Cummings and has also served as the Special Assistant to the Dean of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of California at Irvine.

In 1991, Allen became the Owner and President of her first business, Allen Professional Group. She is now the President and CEO of Self Development Success (SDS), providing services for leadership coaching, personal development and non-profit fundraising.