Taylor Coats (they/she)

Community & Development Manager

Taylor Coats is a Community and Development Manager, supporting WDN’s vibrant multi-generational and multi-racial membership in their pursuit of collective learning and action. Prior to joining WDN, Taylor managed a network of regional funders at a philanthropy serving organization as a membership and programs manager.

They bring over a decade of experience as a community organizer and facilitator committed to moving money, power, and access to historically marginalized communities. They have a keen interest in building intentional and trust-based relationships towards maximizing philanthropy's impact and prioritizing community needs and leadership. Taylor has experience in community-based nonprofits nationwide, focused on racial equity and justice, gender justice, and closing the opportunity gap.

Often referring to herself as the intellectual love child of Zora Neale Hurston and Angela Davis, Taylor finds inspiration and grounding in Black Femenist & Queer scholarship and fiction, past and present. In reflecting on their work and brilliance, she finds the courage, curiosity, and imagination needed to dream of a liberated future.

Taylor holds a bachelor's degree in political science focusing on Black political thought from Howard University and a master’s in nonprofit leadership from Seattle University. Taylor lives in Chicago with their partner and fur baby, Ellie. They find joy in creating pottery, attending concerts, and reading with their book club, The Homies.