Ian Taylor

Born and raised in Pasadena, California, Ian Taylor was brought into a very distinctive environment that consisted of varying economic and cultural backgrounds across the city. During his time in high school, he became involved with several non-profit organizations that helped to prepare him to be a competitive and informed college applicant. He then attended the University of California, Los Angeles from 2016 to 2020. While there Ian served as a peer counselor to fellow students, mentorship program coordinator, retention coordinator for the Academic Supports Program, an organization that works to increase retention rates and improve holistic development of Black undergraduate students. Later on, he chose to focus his research to investigate how restructuring internal and external societal factors impact Black and Brown individuals and served as an ambassador for underrepresented college-bound high school students. Ian then graduated with a B.A. in Sociology, with minors in African-American Studies and Public Affairs. 

Now he possesses professional experience in the realms of public policy, non-profit organizational management, and social justice work, he developed a major interest in equitable education and affordable housing policies. Ian also aspires to obtain his Master’s Degree in Public Policy and strives to influence local, state, and federal policy to then dismantle policies and systems that oppress Black and Brown communities as well as all other marginalized identities. 

As Civic Engagement Voter Analyst, Ian supervises a canvassing team that provides direct outreach to South LA residents as well as maintains databases that aid in engagement efforts with the community. Additionally he works to collect, organize, and apply data and mapping infrastructure collected from member’s experiences, identities and feedback towards current and future civic engagement projects and campaigns.

Fun Fact: Ian enjoys spending his free time crafting musical mixes and mashups as well as entertaining for social events as a freelance DJ.