Once in a while you meet somebody that really stands out in the firearms industry. Recently I had the pleasure of meeting personally and observing such a person. The NAAGA member I am referring to is none other than Joy Allen who hails from the Triangle NC Gun Club. She is an outstanding member, expert shooter, and an elite Instructor who qualified and passed the rigorous NAAGA Instructor Course recently. There is a quiet confidence that she has combined with Intelligence. If that weren’t enough, as an elite shooter and trainer within the NAAGA family, she also has a bachelors, masters, and PhD and is currently employed as the Director of Clinical Data Management for a company in North Carolina. On top of all of that, she is a pastor. This is a bad sista that exemplifies excellence at every level.

Here is a summary of our interview.

Q: Hello, Joy. How are you doing today?. Thanks for speaking with me, to start what is your full name?

A: Joy Uvette Allen

Q: Where do you live?

A: Raleigh, North Carolina

Chapter: Triangle NC Gun Club (Triangle NC Chapter)

Q: Tell us about your education.

A: I have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Biblical Studies and a PhD in Christian Ministry from NCI Bible College.

Q: What do you do for a living?

A: I’m the Director of Clinical Data Management and Pastor of Breath of Life International/WATCH Ministries.

Q: Why do I enjoy what I do?

A: A career in clinical research is challenging, which ensures I continue to grow. My job also allows me to have an integral part in new drug development and testing. As a pastor, I love helping people find, follow, and fulfill their God-ordained purpose in life.

Q: Were guns a part of your childhood?

A: My grandfather hunted, so he always had rifles. They were around when I spent summers with my grandparents.

Q: Did your parents have guns in the home?

A: I grew up with my mother, father, and younger brother. I don’t recall ever having guns in our home.

Q: When did you shoot a gun for the first time?

A: I shot a shotgun as a young child and HATED IT. I didn’t pick up another until 2015. I told my husband, who is a Marine Corps vet, that I wanted to learn how to shoot. From the onset, he booked the best to teach me–Mr. Chris Tilley! I took my very first lesson with him and fell in love with it.

Q: How do you use a gun in your life now?

A: I enjoy shooting mainly as a hobby. I’m a member of a number of shooting clubs and make it a priority to train regularly. I also train for self-defense and enjoy teaching others through my company, E3 Personal Defense & Safety, LLC.

Q: What is your favorite gun?

A: Handgun – BUL SAS II 2011, Rifle – a custom-built AR, Shotgun – Benelli M4

Q: Do you conceal carry as a Black woman?

A: Absolutely!

Q: If you have kids, do they shoot?

A: Yes. My children are now 21 and 16. However, they began shooting as soon as I did, and both enjoy it.

Q: What is the most significant thing you’ve done with a gun?

A: Launching E3 Personal Defense & Safety, my firearms training company, and founding InHER Piece, our ladies’ shooting club, have been my most significant accomplishments. Both organizations came about because I recognized a need to bring 2A education to minority communities.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: I plan to grow and expand both organizations, educating as many people as possible. Personally, I will continue to get training as well. I also plan to delve into the world of competition shooting this year.

Thanks for the time today, and please keep in touch..