For Beacon Place Executive Director, KATIE TAYLOR, protecting kids and empowering families to lift themselves out of generational poverty is personal. The mother of three fled to the United States as a political refugee with her parents when she was 6 years old, with nothing but one small suitcase. Inspired by the Chicago skyline and professionals hustling by with a sense of purpose, Taylor determined that she would change her family’s story. Through a combination of fierce will, endless grace, and positive relationships within the community, she helped her family achieve the American Dream and has dedicated her life to paying it forward. She is a constant in her community through volunteer work and is passionate about teaching her children the power of philanthropy, positive relationships, and giving back full circle. Taylor recently played an instrumental role in strategy at Northwestern Settlement, where she oversaw all fundraising and communications for the organization. We can’t wait to see what is in store as she brings that knowledge, personal experience, and passion to Beacon Place to bring about the concept of “meeting people where they are” in Waukegan and beyond. Here is how this graceful advocate stays on-trend.

ON HER MOBILE

“Top female executives. As a mother taking on an important new role, it’s inspiring to see so many women successfully balance what are essentially two full-time jobs. My mom used to encourage me to become a doctor or a lawyer to ‘make it’ but in reality, she was the best example of truly making it in life. She’d spend her days doing grueling work cleaning houses and still come home to make sure every night that our dinner was nutritious, on time, and full of conversation with love and support for me.”

IN HER EARBUDS

“I wish I could say it’s a beautiful Chopin piece, but it’s actually murder-mystery podcasts. The problem-solver in me can’t get enough stories of how detectives are able to piece together evidence and solve a crime. One of my all-time favorites is The Thing About Pam.”

ON HER NIGHTSTAND

“Finding Me, Viola Davis’ memoir. Reading about her journey of self-discovery hit home harder than I expected, and I’ve found so much inspiration not only for my own life but to bring with me into the communities I serve. One of my favorite quotes is: ‘Do not live someone else’s life and someone else’s idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you. Womanhood is everything that’s inside of you.’”