Our Team

Portia Allen

Portia is a speaker, pastor, podcast host, and writer. The daughter of a retired Army First Sergeant and pastor, being a bridge builder of people has always been a part of her life. Now she works to help remove barriers impeding greatness so all can accomplish their very best.

Portia served in education for twelve years as a classroom teacher and then principal with experience covering elementary, jr. high and high school. Having worked in public education and now being in full time ministry, Portia is passionate about seeing the Body of Christ minister to all people.

Imago Dei is a culmination of those experiences. Her genuine, welcoming nature with people and the ability to foster understanding has caused Portia to become a sought after speaker and voice around diversity, especially within the Church.

Alisha Gelhar

For Alisha, Imago DEI is the manifestation of a dream to align global standards of reconciliation, interculturalism, diversity and belonging with the meaningful work of the local church. Her connection to this work began in 2008 while working with non-profit organizations in the heart of Minneapolis, followed by international partnerships that helped shape her unique global perspective of diversity & belonging. In 2016, Alisha started her own consulting firm in response to leaders across business and political sectors who expressed a need to build their cultural competency and integrate this within their diversity and inclusion efforts.

Her areas of specialization include cross-cultural communication, cultural competency, racial reconciliation, conflict resolution, leadership development and business strategy. Alisha has meaningful intercultural experience in over 30 countries and ongoing professional relationships within Minnesota-local minority communities.

What People Are Saying

  • “

    Training with Portia and Alisha was super helpful, eye opening and empowering!”

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  • “

    When signing up to be a part of this, I was unsure about diversity and belonging. I was actually thinking it would be about everything we are doing wrong. But you have made it the opposite. I actually feel empowered and more free with this topic. Excited to learn more.

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  • “

    I really appreciated the Biblical teachings. That was applicable to my role on staff and helped me see how certain cultural issues are not new - but have actually been addressed by God from the beginning of time.

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“Diversity is a garden to grow, not a problem to solve.” - Imago Dei

Link up with us

We value relationships. Whether this is your first step toward diversity and belonging or seeking to collaborate, we are look forward to meeting you.