Sara Taylor is the founding President and Chief Executive Officer of Positive Steps and the Managing Director of Taylor-Jones Event Management Services. In addition, Sara is employed full time as a Training Specialist and Community Liaison in Western New York where she is focused on Social Justices and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.
Sara’s 20+ year career, across multiple industries, range from direct-care front-line social worker to senior-level administrator. Sara has extensive experience providing leadership development training and capacity-building services to organizations, as well as managing professional conferences throughout North America. Over the last three years, Sara has become a well-respected leader and voice promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across systems while reminding organizational leaders that, “Everyone has a role”. In 2019, Sara was humbled to be recognized with two prestigious community awards: Athena Finalist and Gloria Avis Legacy Award.
A native of western Pennsylvania, Sara became a mother at the age of 16 while already living in a household stricken by poverty. Her entire career has focused on empowering and motivating vulnerable populations living in poverty and women of color who often face barriers related to career advancement. Sara’s influence and credibility are also seen in her work as a community leader working on boards, with policy makers, philanthropists, and other stakeholders who are collectively dedicated to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations and advancing Racial Equity strategies. Sara is the founder and visionary of the Upstate NY Women of Color Summit and in 2020 Sara became a strong voice for parents of color struggling to navigate the mental health systems and founded Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) PEEEEEEK Parent Mental Health project in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Utica.
Sara obtained her Master of Arts degree in Human Services Administration from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY, and has received various certificates in leadership development. Sara has also completed several ministry and theology training courses and holds ministerial licenses; she has received extensive training in conference and meeting planning.
Sara has one biological son, Darwin, daughter-in-law, Dr. Shalon and two beautiful grandchildren, Jaxon and Zara. In 2009 Sara became the caregiver for her great niece Arianna and has since raised her as her own.
