Mashonda Taylor

About Mashonda Taylor

As President & CEO of Woodlawn United, I lead comprehensive community revitalization efforts in Birmingham’s historic Woodlawn & Kingston Communities. Over the past five years, I’ve overseen more than $20 million in assets and secured over $60 million in investments by building strong public-private partnerships and aligning with city, state, and federal priorities.Recognized nationally for advancing place-based strategies, I work at the intersection of housing, cradle-to-career education, business growth, workforce development, and infrastructure—ensuring neighborhoods have the tools and resources they need to thrive. My leadership is collaborative, data-informed, and rooted in long-term outcomes for families and communities.Today, I am expanding my work beyond 5 neighborhoods—advising leaders, institutions, and cities on how to build systems designed for long-term community prosperity. I am especially drawn to partnerships that bridge public policy, philanthropy, and community power to drive generational change.At the center of this work is a simple conviction: that community change starts with deep listening, bold vision, and collective ownership. Whether I’m mentoring emerging leaders, co-creating policy solutions, or shaping the future of historically disinvested places, I lead with both head and heart.I hold a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and bring a proven track record of aligning vision, capital, and execution to drive measurable impact. Off the clock, you might find me planning my next passport stamp, curating joy with people I love, or simply creating space to recharge—because sustainability isn’t just a strategy, it’s a lifestyle.

Experience

1. President & CEO

   Woodlawn United

   Mar 2020 — Present · Birmingham, AL, US

   Secured $60M+ in public and private investments to fuel affordable housing, economic development, and infrastructure upgrades* Expanded service reach from to over residents through a HUD Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant, deepening our footprint and community impact* Increased homeownership from 18% to 28%, creating pathways for generational wealth and neighborhood stability* Supported the launch of 20+ new small businesses, strengthening the local economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem* Achieved a 36% reduction in crime through holistic public safety strategies and neighborhood-based interventions* Trained 40+ emerging leaders through the WE Lead Fellowship—many of whom now serve as civic leaders, organizers, and change agents across BirminghamThis work is grounded in a vision of resident-led transformation that prioritizes dignity, opportunity, and long-term impact.

Education

• Gonzaga University

  Master of Arts, Organizational Leadership

  2007 — 2009

• Loyola University New Orleans

  Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

  2002 — 2006

Skills

• Event Management
• Non-Profit Administration
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Social Networking
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Interviewing
• Social Media
• Higher Education
• Grants
• Fundraising
• Program Evaluation
• Organizational Development
• Interviews
• Leadership Development
• Policy
• Public Policy
• Conflict Resolution
• Volunteering
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Customer Service
• Public Relations
• Public Speaking
• Event Planning
• Program Development
• Research
• Editing
• Nonprofits
• Program Management
• Microsoft Office
• Employee Training
• Training
• Volunteer Management
• Facebook