YWCA Women of Excellence: Tish Taylor

What inspires you?

The beauty and light I see in others, particularly the marginalized and oppressed, and how this light constructs the pathway for what seems impossible, to become possible. For barriers to be broken down and injustices to be overcome.

What advice do you have for others?

Learn the essence of who you are and become dedicated to operating life from that space.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned on your journey?

As a bi-racial woman, it’s okay to expect to be respected. I hadn't even realized that I didn't know that for so much of my life. I had been inherently taught to expect to not be and instead of questioning that, I accepted it. Once I learned that not only as a woman but as a bi-racial woman of the black and brown community that it's okay to expect respect, it was hard being able to look at what all I’d lost throughout life because I hadn’t. But it also gave me hope and inspiration to know that I could do it differently moving forward. That I could give myself permission, instead of waiting or asking for permission. This alone has made a significant difference in the way I interact with others.

What does your vision for our community look like?

To become known as a safe community built on the infrastructure of safe homes. Homes free from cruelty and violence because as a community we no longer tolerate, avoid, or ignore the issues of domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect. This includes making changes to the systems that address these issues within our community. Specifically, in how they look at, prioritize, and interrelate with one another in their response to these matters.

What does "Equal - Powerful - Unstoppable" mean to you?

That I can overcome against all odds and that there is power in showing others how to do the same.