How to Make Love an Action Word: Claudia is in Conversation with Ayanna Taylor

Ayanna Taylor, the Chief of Staff of GirlTrek, America's largest public health movement for Black women and girls, discusses her upbringing by a single immigrant mother from Jamaica, and how her mother’s sacrifices and actions to provide for her, shaped Ayanna’s understanding of love as an active commitment rather than just a feeling. Ayanna also shares how the loss of her father at a young age taught her not to take time for granted.

She describes, how becoming a stepmom to her husband’s two children, and then having her sown son, were pivotal moments, that shifter her perspective from just focusing on herself to prioritising the needs of her new family.

We talk about GirlTREK. Ayanna explains that she leads the largest Black women’s health movement in the US. GirlTREK encourages women to walk 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, and provides culturally-relevant programming and community engagement to keep them motivated and connected. 

Ayanna’s reflects on her career journey and the influence of her experiences. She shares how her early aspirations to be in an encyclopedia later translated in being someone who is there and committed to people. This evolved through her career as a teacher, textbook publisher, and education consultant. She sees how her diverse career path has equipped her for her current role as Chief of Staff, and how her personal experiences have shaped her approach to leadership and service to community.

Ayanna discusses her personal strategies for relaxation and rejuvenation, including her daily walking routine, solo quiet time, and the energising effect of travel, and exploring new ideas through books and podcasts.

To learn more about today's guest, please visit:

Instagram: GirlTREK

LinkedIN: Ayanna Taylor

Website: Access Educational Advisors

To learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here

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You can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYC

This podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.

Social Media support Magdalena Reckendrees