Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Taylor.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
At an early age, service to others and hard work was instilled in me. My grandfather worked in community relations and allowed me to volunteer with him when I was about nine years old or so. I will never forget the day he picked me up during one hot Houston summer and we delivered fans to families in homes with no air conditioners. Around this same age, I was able to work in my grandmother’s café in Galveston. She showed me the art of hustling, literally taking an idea or a hobby and turning that into a business. The passion, the love for people, the purpose was the foundation of what I have built my life on. During high school, I was a mentor and in college, it led me to be involved in different organizations, internships, and jobs. After graduating from The University of Texas at San Antonio, I started working in the social service and affordable housing industry doing recovery efforts for Hurricane Ike.
During this time, I was exposed to the nonprofit community and the services that are provided, it led me to have a deeper understanding of the community. This led me to a career in the nonprofit industry doing communications, fund development, volunteer management, program development, and community giving. I have worked for nonprofit agencies in mental health, breast cancer, education sectors just to name a few. Outside of my 9-5 job, I volunteered much of my time with local agencies, serving on board of directors, advisory councils, and committees. My passion for the community and nonprofit sector has led me to a place where I am now focusing on educating others about philanthropy and social impact.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
With anything that is worth something, there will always be some hurdles and obstacles to face. I think one of the biggest professional challenges to date has been learning what do after you have been laid off from a job. We never want to think about it, but let’s be honest it happens. What do we do when we lose our only source of income? Most panic, I know I did initially. But it made me put a plan in place for my life in which I decided to enroll in graduate school. I would have to say getting my MBA degree, opened doors, expanded my network, and created opportunities for me. I had to take the loss of a job and turn it into a win through enhancing my education. During the time frame of going to school, I had more time to dedicate myself to my community through volunteerism and board roles at various nonprofits which in turn gave me the training for the role I am in today. One of the biggest personal challenges for me has been what do when you lose intricate parts of your support system. Over the past few years, I have endured much loss of life from close family members my life. Losing the people that have raised and supported you for a majority of your life is never an easy thing, but I have learned I have to keep pushing forward.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Philanthropic Girl – what should we know?
The Philanthropic Girl is a new platform that I am launching where I am discussing is a young professional that cares about her community. Through my volunteer efforts, board service, and community giving I will give people an insight into these things through a millennial lense. For years I have always received questions around nonprofits, grant writing, outreach, and so much more, so I decided that I would develop a platform to educate and inform others about community involvement in a variety of ways. My personal mission is to educate young people on the importance of philanthropy and bridge the gap between different generations as it relates to philanthropy, service, and community. Stay tuned as I will be hosting workshops, panel events, and more.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many deserve credit when it comes to the things that I am doing and just the woman I am today. My mother has been my number one supporter in all that I do. She encourages me, listens to my ideas, attends events, she is absolutely the best. I have had the honor of having some wonderful people in my life and some of them probably have no idea to the extent on how much of a positive impact that they have had on my life. I definitely have to give some credit to my cousin Christina as she really taught me how to fundraise and enhanced my education in this space. She also challenged me in spaces which therefore allowed me to grow and develop additional skills that I needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: thephilanthropicgirl.com
- Instagram: @thephilanthropicgirl
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/courtneytaylor
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