Cheryl Lynn Allen became the first African-American woman to be elected to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, in 2007. A Pittsburgh native and former Pittsburgh public school teacher, Judge Allen is a graduate of Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. She spent fifteen years practicing law before earning a merit selection appointment to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, in 1990. She was elected in 1991, and retained in 2001.

Judge Allen is Of Counsel with the Pennsylvania Family Institute and the Independence Law Center. She also serves on boards including the Hosanna House and Neighborhood Academy. She is a Waynesburg University Trustee.