Dr. Jennifer A. Taylor is a seasoned nonprofit leader, researcher, and public and nonprofit administration educator with over two decades of experience transforming communities and advancing social change. As the founder of We Grow Social Impact, a professional nonprofit education platform, Dr. Taylor empowers changemakers with the tools and strategies to drive meaningful results in the nonprofit and public sectors.

Drawing on her vast leadership background—ranging from revitalizing nonprofit organizations and spearheading legislative wins for military families to negotiating public-private partnerships—Dr. Taylor has an unparalleled ability to translate complex challenges into actionable solutions. She has led and reinvented organizations across a wide spectrum of missions, including veteran services, education, arts, environmental advocacy, and social services.

A published author and thought leader, Dr. Taylor writes extensively on topics such as nonprofit governance, donor psychology, diversity in public service, and organizational resilience. Her engaging workshops and courses, including the Nonprofit Health Checkup and Philanthropy & Volunteerism, reflect her signature approach: combining academic rigor with real-world pragmatism to equip professionals with skills and strategies they can immediately apply.

Dr. Taylor has earned several academic degrees: a B.A. in Art History, Studio, and Education from the University of South Carolina, an M.A. in Arts Policy and Administration from The Ohio State University; and a PhD in Public Administration, Urban Policy, and Marketing Strategy from Old Dominion University, and serves as a faculty member at James Madison University teaching organizational behavior, nonprofit management, and fundraising strategy. Her innovative course designs reflect her passion for fostering collaborative learning and her commitment to preparing the next generation of public service leaders.

With a reputation for flipping underperforming organizations and mentoring rising stars, Dr. Taylor’s leadership style is as strategic as it is compassionate. She believes in empowering people to “grow their impact,” whether through her teaching, research, or the online community she has cultivated through We Grow Social Impact.

A dynamic speaker and storyteller, Dr. Taylor inspires audiences to embrace challenges, innovate boldly, and lead with integrity. Her career and life are guided by a deep commitment to public service, social equity, and building resilient communities that thrive in the face of change.