Meet Dr. Maya Taylor | Community Advocate, Dream Broker & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Maya Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Maya, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
When the weight of trials and lack of resources press you to quit… And the sound of quitting is speaking louder than the sound of continuing on… AT THAT MOMENT… you have a choice to make. Do I give up or do I keep going? Wait! Before you decide… take a moment and play back the video images in your mind that show the triumphant moment when you realized that your purpose has not yet been fulfilled. Contemplate the feeling of fulfillment when your presence made a difference in the lives of someone else.  At that moment… nothing else mattered but the dream of making that moment continue on forever….. SO!!! The pursuit of that HAPPINESS…. motivated you to move towards the never-ending quest to make a difference, despite obstacles. That pursuit of happiness is the fuel in the tank of your creative engine and is the deciding factor and compass that you use when you must choose whether to keep going or give up.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Approximately 15 years ago, I committed myself to positively impact young lives in our community. I pulled together a group of thought leaders to start a non-profit that would re-design our socio-economic landscape in the southern region of metropolitan Atlanta. I wanted to show our community that they could soar like an eagle and fly above all negativity. Hence, Eagles Economic Community Development Corporation was established. We begin as a financial literacy training hub for teen students (Out of the Box). We then begin the 10 year stretch of tutoring and mentoring students in an after school and summer school program (XYZ Youth Enrichment). 2010 we started gearing up for the flagship program would change everything… The Award-winning South Fulton Arrow Youth Council. Through the support of our many  faith, school and business partners we are humbly well on our way of changing the course of young lives in our community. It has not be easy at all! But through the scope of seeing the value in collaboration, we have overcome every obstacle that has tried to stop us from training up the next generation of leaders. My passion for the next generation is generated by understanding the importance of LEGACY. I believe that my future is only as bright as that of a child’s future. I train young leaders for the sake of LEGACY.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am philosophically creative and love to visit place with meaning. I enjoy dining in abstract places that speak to my creative thought process. I love visiting museums and venues of history. Dining: Franks Greek Restaurant,  Museum: Rosa Parks and The National Center for Civil and Human Rights,  Venues: Chastain Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As a local “Village Girl” I believe that no one “gets there” until we all do! Our greatest accomplishments only happen when we all work together to achieve more. Independently, we create moments. Collectively, we create MOVEMENTS…. Hence, my shout out goes to my family for the multiple years of love and support of my vision to train young leaders to target their potential and change our world. My Handsome and Loving Husband, Pastor Gary K. Taylor, Sr of Open Word Christian Ministries and my wonderful adult babies, my #generationHOPE (Shawtiel, Gary Jr, Lena, Karissa, Katherine, Thomas and Dacque and granddaughter, Aaliyah Marie, my grand niece and nephew Anaya and Ayden)… I am so blessed!! My babies give me HOPE!!!

Website: www.eagleseconomiccdc.org and www.thesfayc.org
Linkedin: Dr. Maya Taylor
Twitter: Dr. Maya Taylor @pastormaya
Facebook: Maya Taylor
Youtube: SFAYC or The SFAYC