Allison Nunes
Allison Nunes is the President of DNA Labs International, a leading private forensic DNA laboratory dedicated to helping law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and government partners solve complex criminal cases. A second-generation leader in the family-founded organization, she joined the company in its early growth stages and has played a pivotal role in shaping its expansion into one of the largest private forensic laboratories in the country. Today, Allison oversees company strategy, technology development, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring the organization continues to deliver high-quality forensic results with speed, accuracy, and compassion for the victims and families it serves.
With a leadership philosophy rooted in open communication and teamwork, Allison is deeply involved in advancing innovative testing methods and operational efficiencies that support modern investigative needs. She works closely with forensic scientists, public safety officials, and government stakeholders to develop solutions that address evolving challenges in forensic science, including the integration of new technologies and internal artificial intelligence capabilities. In addition to her operational leadership, she is an active advocate for strengthening forensic infrastructure and improving legislative pathways that enable faster access to critical DNA resources for agencies nationwide.
Allison holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, where her academic background initially spanned biology, architecture, and design — disciplines that continue to inform her analytical and strategic approach to leadership. Beyond her executive responsibilities, she serves on the board of Project Cold Case, supporting families impacted by unsolved crimes through advocacy and education. Driven by a passion for justice and innovation, Allison remains committed to fostering a strong organizational culture while guiding DNA Labs International into the future of forensic science.
• Virginia Tech- Bachelor's
• Board of Project Cold Case
• BSAC (Broward Sheriff's Association)
• Project Cold Case
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work and the foundational ideals I learned from my mom, who is the CEO of this company. She and I have worked together for many years, and I still talk to her a lot about things. I think doing what you would ask of anyone else is also important. If I'm going to ask somebody to work hard and work overtime, I try to make the same effort. I'm here when they're working on something. Even if I can't work on it with them, I'm available to text them, or call, or check in on them, or send them lunch. I want them to feel that they're appreciated. My mom worked really hard my whole life, and she was foundational into a lot of my ideals and how I do things now.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to listen. Step back a little bit. A lot of times leaders are louder, and the best career advice I get is to just try to listen more than you think you should. Listen to your clients, listen to your people, and hear what they said, and they'll lead you to the answers.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to lead with integrity and commit to consistent hard work, as trust, credibility, and dedication are essential to building a meaningful and successful career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the biggest challenges are innovating and staying ahead of what the next thing is. Also, incorporating other technology that other people have brought on, like how does it fit in best with our company, and how can we utilize resources. AI is obviously a very common topic out there, but I don't want to replace people at my company. I do want them to use it as a tool. I think any tool, whether or not it's AI, should be available to support anyone here that needs it to do their job how they see fit. Staying aware and collaborating with the industry-wide is important. We have a lot of partnerships with vendor companies that supply products to us, and we stay close with them. Sometimes we innovate together. I think utilizing your resources and partnerships and collaborating with the whole forensic community is important in staying ahead of it, and hearing what people talk about. Is there a pain point, and seeing if that's something you can be involved in. How do we get over this together?
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity. On a daily basis, integrity is the most important quality I think that anyone can possess. And once you lose it, you can't get it back. It's not very easy. Because that builds into the trust that you foster. Once you've lost the integrity, then they don't trust you anymore.