Jackie Taylor: A Life of Opening Doors
During National Women’s History Month in March, we are delighted to feature long-time friend and board member, Dr. Jacqueline “Jackie” Taylor for all she does to “create a better world for aging.”
Dr. Jacqueline “Jackie” Taylor is the epitome of a lifelong learner. She earned her undergraduate degree, one class at a time, when her sons were in middle school, and completed her Ph.D. while they were in college. “I’ll never forget my son saying, ‘Mom, thank you for not quitting,’” says Jackie.
Throughout her career, Jackie has inspired and mentored students—as the first female vice president at Lansing Community College and Vice President/Provost of Davenport University. She established international educational partnerships and launched the first middle college in Pennsylvania for at-risk high school students.
In 2016, Jackie was invited to join the Porter Hills Foundation board by friends Sharon Buursma and Dick Young, the Foundation’s first president. “Since I had been involved in education, this gave me a different part of life where I could be helpful,” says Jackie. “It broadened my viewpoint.”
During her tenure on the Foundation Board, Jackie saw the affiliation of Porter Hills and United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC) in 2019 (now Brio Living Services) and served as co-chair of the Foundation board when the Porter Hills and UMRC Foundations joined together in 2021. “With a fresh perspective, we opened the pathways of communication so the Foundation could best partner with and support the overall organization.”
Jackie’s term on the Foundation Board ended in 2024, but she immediately joined the Brio Living Services Board of Trustees. “Serving the Brio corporate board gives me a broader insight into the organization,” says Jackie. “I can still bring the energy and knowledge of the Foundation, and it enables me to be a better ambassador of the work we do at Brio.”
She is also a member of the Live Life with Brio Campaign Cabinet. “It is my responsibility and my honor to represent our organization and work to build it for the future,” says Jackie. “I want to do my part to support [the campaign] and help create a better world for aging.”
Among her many honors over the years, this fall Jackie was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, the highest honor a woman can achieve in Michigan. Jackie continues to provide her expertise at Pondera Advisors, a leadership consulting practice. She describes her career, not as work, but as “a life of opening doors to help individuals be the best they can be.”
Learn more about ways you can help support Brio Living Services and the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation.
This blog is sponsored by Ziegler, a Live Life with Brio Bronze Sponsor! Your thoughtful gift brings joy to the older adults we serve and our team members.
