Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Taylor-El.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my journey in youth development and nonprofit leadership with a deep commitment to creating opportunities for young people—especially those facing systemic barriers. Over the years, I’ve built my career around helping teens and young adults gain the support, resources, and confidence they need to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
My work with Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas was a defining chapter. There, I managed staff, supported program execution, and helped young women build pathways to college and career success. Leading and mentoring a diverse team strengthened my skills in program coordination, talent development, and relationship-building.
Eventually, my path led me to Generation Hope in Dallas, where I expanded my focus to teen parents pursuing higher education. In this role, I’ve coordinated recruiting seasons, cultivated community partnerships, developed volunteers and mentors, and designed programming that blends emotional support with financial resources. Supporting teen parents and their children—while also building the systems and relationships that make their success possible—has become the heart of my work.
Along the way, I’ve also taken on roles as a program quality advisor, emcee, and program designer for youth-serving organizations, helping them elevate their events, strengthen their teams, and create experiences that truly resonate with the communities they serve.
Today, I’m driven by the same mission that sparked my start: connecting people with opportunities and building programs that change lives. My journey has been shaped by service, leadership, and a passion for helping others reach their potential—and I’m excited for what comes next.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped the leader I am today. Working in the nonprofit sector—especially in youth development—means navigating constant change, limited resources, and big community needs. I’ve often taken on complex roles where I was balancing program design, recruitment, relationship-building, and team support all at once.
Recruitment seasons, especially for mentors and program participants, came with their own pressures—ensuring outreach was strong enough, meeting ambitious goals, and finding partners who could provide both emotional support and financial resources.
And of course, supporting young people from all walks of life comes with unique challenges. You’re not just helping someone succeed academically—you’re working to meet the needs of their families, advocating for resources, and building systems that honor their lived experiences. That can be emotionally heavy at times, but it’s also some of the most meaningful work I’ve ever done.
Despite the obstacles, each struggle taught me resilience, clarity, and the importance of building strong, intentional relationships. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s made me more grounded, more creative, and even more committed to the work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work centers on supporting young people—especially teen parents—as they pursue college degrees, build stability for their families, and create new futures for themselves. I specialize in program coordination, mentor recruitment, talent development, and designing experiences that meet both the emotional and practical needs of the communities I serve.
In my current work, I help lead initiatives that pair teen parents with mentors who can provide not only encouragement but also financial support for tuition. I manage recruiting seasons, cultivate partnerships across universities and community organizations, design engagement opportunities, and ensure that both Scholars and mentors feel supported from the moment they enter the program. I’m known for bringing clarity, structure, and warmth to every relationship—whether I’m guiding a volunteer, onboarding a mentor, or supporting a young parent who’s balancing coursework with childcare.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend strategy with heart. I’m as comfortable building a recruitment pipeline or designing a program framework as I am sitting with a student and helping them navigate a stressful moment. I’m a connector—I build trust quickly, create systems that work, and bring people together around a shared mission. My background also spans staff management, program leadership, and program design for youth-serving nonprofits, which gives me a unique ability to engage audiences, tell a compelling story, and create environments where people feel seen and supported.
What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve had on young people. Seeing former afterschool students move up a grade level, graduate from high school or college, watching their confidence grow—that’s the kind of work that stays with me. I’m also proud of the programs and partnerships I’ve built from the ground up, often in environments where roles were evolving. Those experiences strengthened my leadership and taught me how to create order, momentum, and connection no matter the circumstances.
At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to equity, relationship-building, and empowering people to reach their potential. That’s what drives me, and it’s what continues to guide my work today.
Any big plans?
I’m building a future that supports my own family’s dreams. As a mom of a 10-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, I’m intentional about creating stability, opportunities, and experiences that show them what’s possible. Balancing motherhood and community work will definitely bring big changes, but it’s a challenge I’m use to—and one I know will continue to strengthen us all.
Professionally, I’m looking forward to expanding my work in youth development, college access, and nonprofit leadership. I’m exploring ways to grow my impact in program design, mentor recruitment, and community partnerships, while also stepping more fully into roles that allow me to lead, innovate, and build systems that support equity and family success.
Overall, the next few years will be about leveling up—advancing my career and creating a life that aligns with my purpose and my children’s future. It’s a season of big vision and intentional steps, and I’m excited for everything that’s ahead.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Jay Shepley
Miracle Sturdivant
