Family portrait of Manuela, husband Michael, and daughter Ramona, in Oaxaca. (Painting by Ann Allen)
- I was born and raised in Los Angeles to a German mother and Mexican father who both came to the U.S. for better lives. I am proud mother to the Berlin-based visual artist Ramona Gomez.
- I am a founding board member of Furry Tails of Oaxaca, a nonprofit that supports the people, groups and organizations in Oaxaca, Mexico, working to reduce the population of street animals and improving the well-being of our four-legged friends.
- I am a member of Maconda, a homeland for socially-engaged writers working to advance creativity, foster generosity, and serve community. Below are two book I've written:
Power of One: Pasadenans Shaping Our Community: This photo-essay book highlights 31 community activists. (Inspiring Minds 2003).
The Wild Chihuahuas of Mexico: This daring adventure gives readers of all ages a view into the plucky spirit and tenacity of the mighty Chihuahua and reveals how these little dogs helped Pancho Villa and the Mexican people triumph during the Mexican Revolution
In the U.S., Los Angeles in particular has a huge problem with unwanted Chihuahuas. I've had many, both foster and forever pups. But this little guy Benito Juarez, or Benny, has been my true love over the past ten years. Pulled from a shelter just hours before he was to be put down, he's about 15 years old and a remarkable little friend.
