rachel taylor — development communications coordinator
Rachel Taylor
Rachel joined the team in March 2024 and is our Development Communications Coordinator.
What I do for city Leadership
As the Development Communications Coordinator, I’m in charge of marketing campaigns and communications strategies for the development department of City Leadership and Give901. I oversee social media initiatives, newsletters and blog stories. Additionally, I assist in management of the donor database.
My goal is to connect the needs and opportunities of our ten partner organizations with members of the community whose desire is to invest in our city. I’m here to tell the remarkable stories of leadership happening all around us.
CONNECT WITH ME
How I got to Memphis…
I was raised in Memphis, attending local schools throughout my childhood. I continued my education at the University of Memphis, where I earned a degree in English Literature. After graduation, I briefly traveled internationally, gaining a broader perspective before returning to Memphis. At this time, I began a career in film and video production. My role primarily involved writing, directing, and editing short films and promotional videos, which sharpened my storytelling skills.
With each project, I enhanced my ability to engage and inform diverse audiences. As I continue to grow professionally, I find myself turning more towards writing, likely in an attempt to return to my first love of literature. My passion for storytelling defines and drives me both professionally and personally.
Why I Choose901
As a filmmaker, a strong community is essential when making a grassroots film. When I began my career as a filmmaker after my travels, I began making those essential connections that led to funded projects, a dedicated crew, and reliable resources for securing things like shooting locations. It’s hard to leave an established network when it’s taken years to build, and I found myself wanting to stay and tighten those bonds. Essentially, I have a strong system of support through family and friends here.
MEET rachel
My pride and joy is my Boston Terrier: Mochi. She’s possibly the most insane dog I’ve ever met, but I love her with every fiber of my being. She’s the first dog I’ve ever had, and I can’t remember life before her. I’m convinced she’s going to live forever because the color will go out of the world without her in it.
I spend a large portion of my time reading; I typically read 30-40 books a year in varied subjects. Some favorites among many are Lord of the Rings, Anne of Green Gables, Emma, Far from the Madding Crowd, Jane Eyre, The Haunting of Hill House, and Out of Africa.
I also started practicing aerial arts in 2022 at High Expectation Aerial Arts. It’s the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to go a little outside their comfort zone and build strength. My favorite apparatuses are the lyra (hoop) and trapeze, but you can also do silks, sling, and partner acrobatics.