Christina Taylor has worn a few hats since her graduation in 1998. Armed with a degree in Communications, she started on her career’s path which would take her to places she never expected.

It started with broadcasting. Taylor worked for eight years as an on-air DJ for companies like Black Crow Broadcasting, Cumulus Radio and Clear Channel Communications. Over the years, she worked as a sports producer for NASCAR, presented to over 100,000 people and produced the St. Jude. Telethon. “My broadcasting career allowed me to live in many different places and reach out and network with many interesting people,” Taylor said.

After nearly a decade in broadcasting, Taylor switched her tune. Over a few years, Taylor took time off to volunteer with The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross, meeting a range of connections in the Tallahassee area. She found through her conversations that computer skills were in high demand and decided to take control of her own destiny. Taylor learned and gained certifications in A+, Network+, Security+ and MCITP. Her new skill set afforded her a contract to work with the Department of Defense. With a security clearance, she was able to update the U.S. Army’s computer network. During this time Taylor obtained her CCNA certification, which she cites as her “greatest accomplishment” yet.

In 2014, Taylor’s career came full circle. Hired by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which raises funds for organizations that promote literacy, she puts her Communications degree to work while she coordinates the many departments that work together towards literacy. 

“If I had to give advice to anyone today, it would be: “Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you don’t know and ask for help or advice. You will be pleasantly surprised how some people will respond.”