Born in Chicago…bred in Chicago’s Cabrini Green Housing Projects, Karen Allen always dreamed of a career in performing arts and was inspired by theater, art, dance, music and fashion. Karen attended Edwin G. Cooley High for middle school. Cooley was also known as a Upper Grade Center for vocational learning. Later she attended Robert A. Waller High School where she received her diploma. Karen would go on to serve seven years in the United States Army and two years in the Army Reserve.