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Taylor Jackson Xi Lambda - University of San Francisco
Director of Government Affairs & Political Engagement, California Primary Care Association
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Empowerment
Can you share a brief 5-7 sentence biography about yourself, highlight key moments in your career that have shaped who you are today?
Taylor has worked in California politics and policy for over a decade, where she has fought tirelessly to protect California’s most vulnerable populations. She has a breadth of experience and political acumen from her years in the California State Capitol, and as a social justice focused lobbyist.
Currently, Taylor is the Director of Government Affairs & Political Engagement at the California Primary Care Association where she leads advocacy in Sacramento to protect California’s community clinics and health centers, and expand health care access for the most marginalized. Taylor previously worked as the Policy & Advocacy Director for the Center for Judicial Excellence. There she co-led the introduction of Piqui’s Law in California which garnered the support of Angelina Jolie, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and other prominent domestic violence advocates. She also ran a multi-state policy agenda and a National Advocacy Training Series Cohort for survivors of domestic violence.
Prior to that, she worked as a legislative advocate and political advisor for the California Nurses Association, the largest nurses union in the country. She worked on legislation defending workers rights, patient health and safety and public health infrastructure. During her time in the California Legislature, Taylor served as a Senior Policy Consultant for the Assembly Labor & Employment Committee, a Senior Legislative Aide and a Leo T. McCarthy Center Fellow. Taylor entered politics after serving as her Delta Zeta chapter’s Philanthropy Chair and on the University of San Francisco’s student government, where she was awarded for her activism and advocacy on behalf of the student body.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from this friendship?
University of San Francisco Professor Clarence B. Jones. He was legal counsel and speechwriter to Martin Luther King Jr. I took one of his classes in college, and he encouraged me to apply for the McCarthy fellowship and consider working in politics after school. That changed the trajectory of my life.
How did you discover your passion and what opportunities have helped shape your curiosity for what you do?
I’ve always loved studying history, keeping up with current events and people’s stories, whether that be a good book or movie. One of my college professors, Dr. Jones, encouraged me to apply for a fellowship in the California State Capitol. It turned out to be the perfect mix of my interests and skills I developed gaining my liberal arts degree. It’s important work, but it’s also interesting and changing every day. I’ve been in California politics for more than 10 years, and have never had a day the same as the day before.
Looking ahead in your career, how do you envision continuing to incorporate generosity into your leadership style and professional endeavors?
I’m lucky to have had some great bosses who were deeply generous with their time spent mentoring me, giving me advice and sharing their political knowledge. As a leader, I work to build my own generosity with patience and kindness to those I manage and colleagues I work with.
How has your community helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
Many sisters have supported me personally and professionally. Whether making professional connections or checking in on me, I’m deeply grateful for Xi Lambda.
What does empowerment mean to you, and how have you worked to empower others in your career or personal life?
As I said previously, empowerment is very important to me. I have always felt deeply empowered by my sisters at the University of San Francisco. The Xi Lambda Chapter was made up of the kindest, most encouraging women I had ever met. I try to bring that spirit to my professional life where I work with several organizations in Sacramento, California, to mentor up-and-coming women of color in politics.
What does it mean to you to create an environment of belonging for others, and how do you carry that lesson into your personal and professional life?
It is important to meet people where they are, and make everyone in the room feel included and heard. You can’t give everyone what they want, but you can be respectful, understanding and kind. My hope is that those I work with feel they can talk to me about any subject. Whether or not we agree, I hope they trust my professionalism and fairness.