Full Name
Mashonda Taylor
Job Title
CEO
Company
Woodlawn United
Speaker Bio
Mashonda Taylor, a dedicated servant leader, has been instrumental in the holistic revitalization of the Woodlawn community in Birmingham, Alabama, for over a decade. Starting at Woodlawn United in 2012 as an Office Administrator, her passion for the community and the organization’s mission led her to become the Chief Executive Officer in 2020.
Under her leadership, Woodlawn United, a Purpose Built Communities Network Member, has been a catalyst and backbone organization for creating a place of opportunity and access in Birmingham’s historic Woodlawn community. The organization has developed high-quality mixed-income housing, a cradle-to-college education pathway, a thriving commercial core, and community wellness initiatives with over sixty community partners. These efforts have transformed Woodlawn into a vibrant and sustainable community where residents can connect to opportunities and improve their quality of life.
Mashonda’s academic background, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University have equipped her for a career in community service. Her ability to assess community needs, cultivate relationships, and work towards collective benefit is evident in her work with Woodlawn United.
Beyond her role at Woodlawn United, Mashonda serves as a Commissioner for the Birmingham Planning Commission and holds board positions at the Birmingham Water Works, Jones Valley Teaching Farm, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the James Ruston Early Learning Center, and the Rotary Club of Birmingham. She was an Executive Board Member for the Junior League of Birmingham in 2018, the same year she was recognized as About Town’s Trailblazer for her philanthropic work in the Birmingham community.
In 2023, Mashonda’s exceptional leadership and vision at Woodlawn United were recognized when she was named Non-Profit CEO of the Year by the Birmingham Business Journal. She is also a member of the 2023 Leadership Birmingham Class, a Class I member of the Alabama Leadership Initiative, a Catalyst Fellow for the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, and a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated member.
When not working, Mashonda enjoys spending time in the community she helps to revitalize, planning her next travel destination, or enjoying brunch on any given weekend. Her commitment to serving the residents of Woodlawn and leading the community’s revitalization efforts continues to make a significant impact.
Under her leadership, Woodlawn United, a Purpose Built Communities Network Member, has been a catalyst and backbone organization for creating a place of opportunity and access in Birmingham’s historic Woodlawn community. The organization has developed high-quality mixed-income housing, a cradle-to-college education pathway, a thriving commercial core, and community wellness initiatives with over sixty community partners. These efforts have transformed Woodlawn into a vibrant and sustainable community where residents can connect to opportunities and improve their quality of life.
Mashonda’s academic background, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University have equipped her for a career in community service. Her ability to assess community needs, cultivate relationships, and work towards collective benefit is evident in her work with Woodlawn United.
Beyond her role at Woodlawn United, Mashonda serves as a Commissioner for the Birmingham Planning Commission and holds board positions at the Birmingham Water Works, Jones Valley Teaching Farm, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the James Ruston Early Learning Center, and the Rotary Club of Birmingham. She was an Executive Board Member for the Junior League of Birmingham in 2018, the same year she was recognized as About Town’s Trailblazer for her philanthropic work in the Birmingham community.
In 2023, Mashonda’s exceptional leadership and vision at Woodlawn United were recognized when she was named Non-Profit CEO of the Year by the Birmingham Business Journal. She is also a member of the 2023 Leadership Birmingham Class, a Class I member of the Alabama Leadership Initiative, a Catalyst Fellow for the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, and a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated member.
When not working, Mashonda enjoys spending time in the community she helps to revitalize, planning her next travel destination, or enjoying brunch on any given weekend. Her commitment to serving the residents of Woodlawn and leading the community’s revitalization efforts continues to make a significant impact.
Speaking At
