Alumni Directory

Karen Walter is the Area Director of Marketing & Business Development for Allen Premium Outlets. With over 25 years of experience in retail and brand marketing, Karen is passionate about connecting businesses to the community through events, partnerships, and initiatives. Previously, she held leadership roles with The Container Store, lululemon, and Neiman Marcus.

Karen has served in a variety of leadership and advisory roles, including President of the PTSA at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas. She earned special recognition for excellence in PTA leadership for the 2022-2023 school year, by the Texas PTA.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion Merchandising from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After living in Dallas for 20 years, she now resides in McKinney and enjoys pickleball, Pilates, and travel. Karen’s daughter is a junior at University of Texas-Austin, double majoring in dance and English.

Rodricka Taylor serves as the Coordinator for Superintendent and Board Services at Lovejoy Independent School District, where she supports executive leadership, board governance, policy, elections, public information, district-wide events, and community engagement. With over a decade of public-sector and legal experience, she is known for her strategic leadership, strong relationships with elected officials, and commitment to transparency and service.

A graduate of the Allen Chamber Leadership Class 35, Ms. Taylor helps facilitate the Chamber Leadership Alumni Committee and actively serves on the City of Allen Library Board. She holds degrees in Education and Political Science from Collin College and Texas Tech University and proudly calls Allen home.

Traci Markel is the Marketing Director for Watters Creek Village in Allen. With over 20 years of experience in retail marketing and community leadership, she connects local businesses with their community through events, promotions, and partnerships. Previously, she was the Marketing Director for Silver Sands Factory Stores, Citadel Outlets, Town & Country Village, and The Pruneyard Shopping Center.

Ms. Markel has served in numerous leadership, advisory, and volunteer opportunities with Chambers of Commerce in Florida and California, young professionals, fine arts organizations, mentorship programs, and countless hours volunteering for events and fundraisers. She performed, competed, and taught High School Colorguard for 21 years in Oklahoma and Florida.

Traci holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Oklahoma and is a graduate of Leadership Walton and Leadership Allen. She, her husband Matt, and their pets have been part of the Allen community for three years, enjoying local activities, travel, and wine tasting.