Katie Taylor is the Volunteer Coordinator and Research Assistant at Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment. Women’s Initiative works in expanding economic opportunity nationally by helping low-income, high-potential women start or strengthen their own businesses. Katie started the AmeriCorps VISTA program in 2010 at Women’s Initiative and has supported 13 VISTAs: one of the largest projects in Northern California. Located in Oakland, CA and with offices in San Francisco and New York, Katie runs a program which has a high impact on low-income women of both the Bay and NYC.
Katie builds the capacity of individuals both directly and indirectly; through her direct supervision and professional development of volunteers, as well as the indirect impact on Women’s Initiative’s clients. In 2012 alone, Katie oversaw a volunteer program of 504 people (including VISTA work of $183,000 at market value), and as a result improved the lives of 3,168 clients who are on their way to economic self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship.
Through her successful volunteer program and by coordinating research task forces as Research assistant, Katie’s work builds capacity at Women’s Initiative by ensuring our work in micro-enterprise is well-documented and measured in data, both qualitatively and quantitatively, through client interviews. Her role as Research Assistant ensures honest feedback about Women’s Initiative programs, and Katie uses this feedback to improve the organization with innovative approaches to solving problems. Her data collection increases economic opportunity by supporting Women’s Initiative’s grant department to fund additional women in the program and by informing local public policy to encourage support for low-income women and small businesses.
Katie likes to make things efficient and scalable within the organization. She puts together very comprehensive and useful “best practices” and “how to” guides so Women’s Initiative administration runs more smoothly and can expand in other urban hubs. She is extremely approachable and the five VISTAs she supervises are grateful for such a great mediator between doing beneficial work for Women’s Initiative and having a positive VISTA experience. Katie is someone who is always energetic and positive. Though she is super busy because of her workload, she is happy to meet and discuss any issues or concerns that arise in a timely manner. Katie Taylor is deserving of this year’s National Service Impact Award as she diligently serves to end national poverty by keeping those around her engaged, motivated, supported, and linked together.
15 comments
Laurel Chen • almost 13 years ago
Everyone in non-profit work understand the importance of building the capacity of their organization, whether this be through the creation of a meaningful volunteer program or more streamlined, efficient processes that are transferable as an organization expands and changes. Katie is the kind of person who takes this understanding and really executes these projects, with a positive energy and dedication that spreads to those she is working with. As my VISTA supervisor, Katie selflessly shares her time, knowledge and passion for the low-income female entrepreneurs we serve with me in a manner that drives me to positively impact Women's Initiative and the lives of women on their path towards self sufficiency.
Esther Han • almost 13 years ago
Katie is an amazing coordinator and leader. She has the ability and often does juggle a hundred tasks, yet always sends you that follow-up resource e-mail within minutes of your check-in. She is always available to discuss how to tailor a richer VISTA or internship experience, and discuss how to best accommodate everyone's needs. It is in great part due to Katie that I have had the opportunity to develop so many skills, integrate myself into Women's Initiative, and gain such a comprehensive knowledge of this non-profit organization.
Lindsy Carpenter • almost 13 years ago
Katie is a spectacular individual and a clear leader in the larger Volunteer Management community, constantly pushing for greater quality in the program she manages and the work she does with our VISTAs, fellows, interns and volunteers. The coaching and training she has provided to the staff at our organization has clearly affected profound positive change in our culture, with everyone excited and engaged to work with our VISTAs on as many projects as we all can! Katie’s ability to build self-sustaining and reactive/flexible systems is core to our long-term ability to scale, and shows her strategic thinking in how to not just operate the program but make it a high-functioning part of our operations. Our VISTAs become integrated right into our staff team with ease and grace, which is a testament to the model she has built and the dedicated service she gives to each and every VISTA to make them successful. We as an agency would not be able to impact the lives of as many high-potential, low income women as we do without this valuable program she manages.
Elizabeth de Renzy • almost 13 years ago
Katie Taylor has had a tremendous impact on advancing the mission of Women’s Initiative for Self Employment to build the entrepreneurial capacity of women to overcome social and economic barriers and achieve self-sufficiency. I believe she should receive the National Service Impact Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and achievements. Under Katie’s leadership, AmeriCorps VISTAs have made it possible for Women’s Initiative to expand our programs nationally. The nearly 500 low-income women who will receive business training through Women’s Initiative this year will increase their business revenues by nearly $60,000 in the next 12 months, doubling their annual income. One in four will create jobs for others through her business. An average of nearly $4,000 per client in additional sales tax revenues will be generated for local public schools, community colleges, health and human services, public safety and health care. This would not have been possible without Katie’s strong vision for the volunteer program, her passion for the mission, and her dedication to a culture of service, joy, shared ownership, integrity, and results.
Corinne G • almost 13 years ago
Katie Taylor's commitment, energy and impact constantly amaze me. She has built a fantastic volunteer program and effectively manages different volunteer needs and expectations. She always creates useful guides and best practice lists and streamlines systems to make them more efficient. Despite her busy schedule, she always makes herself available to talk, always asks how you're doing, and always wears a smile. As a VISTA, I have very much enjoyed working with Katie.
Susana Gama • almost 13 years ago
Katie Taylor is a really hard worker, commited to our organization, community and volunteers. She is an example to follow, always given her best to everyone. Always smiling even in her most busy day.
Nicole Levine • almost 13 years ago
Katie has single-handedly transformed our volunteer program! When she came to the organization (as a volunteer at first), she quickly assessed the challenges and set about creating the processes, systems and culture that we needed to attract and retain top notch volunteers. Just this morning, our current VISTAs provided reports on their work and our entire staff was awestruck at the quality of the projects and presentations. This is all due to Katie setting up the right program, recruiting the right people, providing the right mentorship and support, and making everyone feel valued and appreciated. We are so fortunate to have Katie in this role which allows us to leverage the human resources we have to help more low-income, high potential women start their own businesses and become economically self-sufficient.
Flor Melara • almost 13 years ago
I would not be able to do the work that I do and achieve the goals of my department without Katie’s support. On a quarterly basis Katie ensures a consistent flow of fellow candidates to volunteer in our Financial Services department. Not only has she created a replicable system that guarantees adequate volunteer support for the agency, but she has created a system the draws the support of men and women who are interested in our field and are as dedicated as we are to achieve our mission. I have the pleasure knowing Katie as a colleague and a friend and have always admired her dedication to being a better volunteer coordinator everyday by consistently integrating best practices that have proven positive impact to the organization. The Katie is the hardest worker I know and most deserving of this award.
ShokyM • almost 13 years ago
Katie is an amazing high achiever. She sets her goals high and does her best to achieve them. She well deserves this award. She has empowered our volunteer program and managed every aspect of the program with her professionalism and patience. I cheer for her always and wish her the best. She is a great face and voice for Women's Initiative and her efforts have not only impacted Women's Initiative but also the women who walk through our door.
nirkandel • almost 13 years ago
I was a research intern and Katie was my coordinator. She is one of those few people in my life whom I would love to work as a team forever. No matter how hectic and sometime irritating circumstances were she was always there smiling and calm. Hats off to you Katie, you deserve much more.
cgarofoli • almost 13 years ago
Katie is super responsive and personable. And this is coming from someone who has volunteered at many, many organizations...she's really special.
Elizabeth Lanyon • almost 13 years ago
Katie is an extraordinary team member, passionate about her work and dedicated to supporting others to achieve their goals. She has transformed the volunteer program at Women's Initiative, and leveraged thousands of dollars of time and skills in support of the sustainability of the organization. Katie is a true connector, bringing together people, talents and values to create an impact in our communities.
MalkieS • almost 13 years ago
Katie is a veritable superhero of the Women's Initiative office. No really, she's incredible. Her ability to juggle myriad tasks (and to smile while doing it all) is near super-human. Aside from being an unbelievably organized and dedicated member of the team, her presence as a volunteer coordinator is genuinely motivating. When talking to her, you get the impression that she is fully present in whatever you have to say. Like a classic hero, she is really looking out for your best interest and will take the extra steps to help you out. Above all else, though, through her leadership and encouragement she ensures that us interns/fellows/VISTAS will grow and develop from our experiences from Women's Initiative.
Nancyesheppard • almost 13 years ago
Katie has connected so many women who need help starting or growing their business to business leaders. I've personally been involved with her enthusiasm to help find just the right new volunteer for a project... searching through the database and finding the right skill sets. As Chair of one of our regional boards for Women's Initiative, I know that we would not be able to have the success rate that we do in helping women start and grow their businesses without the kind of support they get, and Katie is a large reason that this support is ongoing.
ashi_k200375 • almost 13 years ago
Katie is perfect coordinator,