Meet Taylor Richardson! This remarkable and radiant GOTR alumni is an activist, advocate, fundraiser, public speaker, and student who raised $200,000 to increase awareness of women in STEM in the media and another $250,000 toward other initiatives, including literacy, race, health, and more. She also led a fundraiser that donated 50,000+ books to kids globally. Taylor is currently pursuing a biology degree on a non-traditional pre-med track to become a physician and scientist. Learn more about her alumni journey below!
Ever since she was a child, Taylor Richardson has worked to expand her universe and others. When she was nine, she began creating opportunities where she could make a difference. Through her first fundraising initiative, ‘Taylor’s Take Flight with a Book,’ she donated over 50,000 books across the globe – opening countless young minds to new worlds. Impressively enough, this outstanding display of generosity was just the tip of the iceberg of what influential projects she would lead only years later.
Radiant with confidence and kindness, Taylor Richardson is on a mission to achieve her dreams, empower more women in the STEM field, and give back to her community.
Not long after hosting the book donation fundraiser, Taylor joined Girls on the Run– an experience she referred to as one of the most transformative of her youth.
For Taylor, Girls on the Run went far beyond the lap goals and stretching exercises. The program offered the precise community of inclusivity and sisterhood she aspired to be a part of. GOTR was where she and her teammates felt they belonged, built friendships, and gained the confidence to chase their dreams. One of the most impactful figures in her GOTR experience was Coach Patti. Since they met, she believed in Taylor’s potential and encouraged her to believe in herself. Their bond remains strong to this day, proving that the influence of a caring coach can last a lifetime.
Taylor as a GOTR girl beside Coach Patti, a role model who continues to positively impact Taylor’s life today.
The GOTR lessons on empathy and standing up for yourself and others still influence the way Taylor treats herself and the world around her.
One particular takeaway that continues to stand out as she grows up is the importance of self-care. She shared, “I learned (at Girls on the Run) that taking care of myself—physically and emotionally—is not a sign of weakness but strength. This principle is something I constantly apply as I balance school, extracurriculars, and personal growth. Whenever I face self-doubt or burnout, I remind myself to prioritize mental health. I choose progress over perfection, a lesson reinforced during my time with GOTR.”
Taylor embracing her Star Power AND brainpower as she leads a presentation at Emory University.
Since her time with GOTR, Taylor’s dedication to activism, advocacy, and education has skyrocketed.
Now a senior at Spelman College, she is pursuing pre-med studies. Inspired by her experience with GOTR, she has devoted herself to uplifting marginalized communities. Taylor is committed to ensuring that young girls see their potential reflected in the world around them. Her recent advocacy work included leading crowdfunding initiatives that raised over $200,000 to send girls from underrepresented backgrounds to see films like The Little Mermaid, Captain Marvel, A Wrinkle in Time, and Hidden Figures. Taylor has also led initiatives that raised more than $250,000 toward causes that support literacy, health, race, gender, seniors, and back-to-school supplies. Through these efforts, she reminded girls that the possibilities of their futures were limitless.
Taylor’s image and name in bright lights celebrating the positive role she plays on her college’s campus.
Taylor’s passion for defying gender roles and stereotypes extends into the STEM field.
She has previously collaborated with NASA, exploring ways to increase accessibility in technology and education. Although this GOTR alumni is now busy pursuing a career in medicine, she plans to continue advocating for health equity, particularly for women and underserved populations. She credits Girls on the Run for instilling the courage to set these big goals. Taylor shared, “I’ve carried the confidence and resilience I built at Girls on the Run throughout my journey, from educational pursuits to personal growth and social activism. It has also inspired my ongoing work with campaigns like my ADHD (Abundantly Different, Happily Divine) tee apparel. This initiative supports embracing learning differences.”
Young Taylor with the team at GOTR Northeast Florida when she was just beginning her GOTR journey years ago.
Taylor Richardson is living proof that GOTR lessons can propel young girls toward a future of courage and leadership. Her philanthropy and big dreams remind us that with compassion and an open heart, there are no limits to what we can achieve or the stars we can reach.
