Ja’Quez Taylor is a dedicated leader focused on promoting educational equity and student success. He is passionate about empowering lifelong learners with the skills necessary to excel in college and future careers, particularly in urban school settings. Ja’Quez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Applied Cultural Thoughts from North Carolina A&T State University and is currently pursuing his second master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Ja’Quez began his career as a teacher and went on to establish a successful tutoring organization in Thomasville, NC, where he served as CEO and Director of Tutoring and School Partnerships. He has experience teaching elementary and middle school students in North Carolina, Tulsa, OK, and Dallas, TX. He later became an Impact Manager/Coach at an education nonprofit in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, supporting students, educators, district leaders and schools through educational near-peer interventions, mentorship, and curriculum instruction.
Throughout his career, Ja’Quez has held various roles, including Program Director, Director of Elementary Programs, and K-12 Education Consultant. He is currently the Assistant Director of TRIO Upward Bound at North Carolina Central University and has the distinction of being the youngest elected School Board Chair in North Carolina Public Schools. His commitment to education earned him recognition as one of South Florida’s Top Black Educators for the 2021-2022 academic year. Additionally, he was accepted into the North Carolina CREED Fellowship Program for Equity for 2023-2024 and has been selected for the North Carolina Education Policy Fellowship for 2024-2025.
Originally from Thomasville, North Carolina, and byway transplant of South Florida, Ja’Quez enjoys traveling and spending time with friends. In his spare time, he loves reading, engaging in educational research, shopping, and exploring fashion.
“Looking back on the past only hinders your blessing ahead. Keep shifting gears and move forward.” – JDT