“Empowered women do not feel the need to apologize for taking up space.” | Meet the Editor, Journalist, and Content Strategist, Stephanie Taylor

Meet Stephanie Taylor, the visionary editor, journalist, and content strategist with a decade-long legacy. Now, as program manager for a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation of journalists, she's rewriting the media's narrative. Brace yourself for an inspiring journey as Stephanie revolutionizes storytelling and embraces diversity. Stephanie is shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for the media. This is the dawn of change, and Stephanie Taylor is leading the way.      

Miss EmpowHer: Tell us about yourself and your accomplishments.

Stephanie Taylor: I've worked as an editor, journalist, and content strategist for the last 10 years. I have recently taken on the role of a program manager for a nonprofit focused on first amendment freedoms and training the next generation of journalists. 

Miss EmpowHer: What does women's empowerment mean to you? Why is it important?

Stephanie Taylor: Women empowerment is about giving women the space to just be— whatever that looks like. Space to be loud, angry, irate, arrogant, excited, sad, passionate, reserved. Whatever that "be'' entails, women who are empowered do not feel the need to apologize for taking up space, having a voice, or being themselves.

Miss EmpowHer: What advice would you give to other women looking to succeed in your industry? What qualities are the most important and what skills should they focus on developing?

Stephanie Taylor: As far as content and editorial, curiosity and grit will take you far. Curiosity leads you to ask questions and knock on doors to find a good story. Grit allows you to persevere when setbacks come or those doors get shut in your face. Grit is what helps you keep going.

Miss EmpowHer: Tell us about a woman who has influenced your career and how their guidance has impacted your professional growth.

Stephanie Taylor: My friend, Esther Ellmore, is an event planner turned interior designer. I have worked with her on planning several large-scale events, many of which had high-stress moments. Esther taught me to find joy and to celebrate. That's how you keep your sanity. It's a lie to think we can work 12-hour days, 7 days a week. Hustle culture has short-handed us. Esther taught me the importance of prioritizing rest and celebration in busyness.

Miss EmpowHer: How do you handle work-related stress and pressure, and what techniques or practices do you use to maintain your well-being while pursuing a successful career?

Stephanie Taylor: I've learned that it's never too early to open a bottle of wine— ha! But seriously, I call coffee my morning glass of wine. Saying that to say, I handle work-related stress by finding ways to treat myself. That might be going for a walk with a friend, grabbing my favorite overpriced coffee concoction, or logging off early to go for a long walk.

"Everything is temporary. Every season— including setbacks and failures."

Miss EmpowHer: Can you share any lessons or insights you have gained from failures or setbacks in your career, and how you have turned them into opportunities for growth and learning?

Stephanie Taylor: Everything is temporary. Every season— including setbacks and failures. It won't last forever. In seasons of the unknown or setbacks, I've learned to take time to rest mentally and physically and to reset my sails. Pivoting and being adaptable have allowed me to grow in the setbacks. And also, I have learned to remind myself "that this too shall pass."

"Pursue authenticity."

Miss EmpowHer: Can you share any strategies or tips for building a successful network and fostering meaningful professional relationships that have helped you in your career?

Stephanie Taylor: Pursue authenticity. It's wise to view networking as relational and not just transactional. Take time to get to know people, ask them about their career journeys, and find common ground. People-first networking is the best way to connect and build genuine relationships.

Miss EmpowHer: What strategies or tactics do you use for setting and achieving your career goals, and how do you stay motivated and focused on your objectives?

Stephanie Taylor: Reading a lot about the industry and staying up-to-date on career opportunities in my field always helps me to stay sharp and level up. 

Miss EmpowHer: What motivated you to choose your current career field, and what do you find most fulfilling about your work?

Stephanie Taylor: I got into my current role as a program manager for student journalists because it mixes my background in editorial journalism with event planning. It's the best of both worlds. Knowing that I get to inspire the next generation of journalists is just the cherry on top.

Miss EmpowHer: Can you discuss any specific trends or changes in your industry that you see impacting careers, and how you are preparing to adapt to these changes?

Stephanie Taylor: Journalism as a whole is constantly having to evolve. But I believe there will always be a place for it. When I hear about layoffs or industry cuts, I remind myself that stories will always need to be told. It boils down to having a willingness to adapt and pivot.

Miss EmpowHer: What advice do you have for individuals who are starting their careers or looking to make a career change, based on your own experiences and lessons learned?

"Allow yourself to have the humility to be a student."

Stephanie Taylor: It's never too late to start a career or change a career path. You just have to have the humility to be a student again. We are always learning. Don't be afraid to start again.

Miss EmpowHer: How do you approach professional development and continuous learning to enhance your skills and stay relevant in your industry? 

Stephanie Taylor: I think the key is to approach professional development with humility. You don't know what you don't know. It's a sign of a leader to continue to want to learn more and hone their skill set.

Miss EmpowHer: Can you discuss any significant achievements or accomplishments in your career that you are particularly proud of and what you learned from those experiences?

Stephanie Taylor: I planned my first journalism conference in D.C. a few weeks ago! It brought together top journalists from The New York Times, ESPN, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post.

Miss EmpowHer: How do you balance your career ambitions with other aspects of your life, such as family, hobbies, and personal well-being?

Stephanie Taylor: Finding balance is a process and is definitely hard at times. But I think keeping family and personal well-being first, before work, is the key.

Don't miss out on more inspiring stories like Stephanie Taylor’s incredible journey. Like this? For more personal and professional development tips follow Miss EmpowHer on Instagram and Linkedin.

Subscribe to Spotlight Her today and be inspired by the trailblazers who are making a difference in the world: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7074841793833361408

Want to learn more about Stephanie Taylor? Click here to follow her on Instagram and click here to connect with her on LinkedIn!

#womeninmedia #mediaactivist #journalist #careeradvice #storytelling