After losing his grandparents Anglia and Sylvester Taylor Sr., Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Scholar Joshua S. Taylor decided to transform this family tragedy into a family legacy. During his sophomore year at North Carolina A&T University, he gave birth to the idea of Taylor Legacy Builders Foundation to give back to the people and communities that had poured into him.
“My grandparents were the embodiment of servant leaders. They fully understood the weight of their presence in this world and spent their time loving and serving others wholeheartedly,” Joshua expressed. “My grandmother’s legacy taught me the power of impact and about steward leadership. My grandfather’s legacy taught me how the power of advocacy and fighting for people is more than just physical, but that major change first begins by simply planting a seed.”
Joshua officially created his Foundation in January 2024 with the mission to, “inspire the growth and pursuit of greater realities in minority individuals’ lives.” He leaned heavily on the impact and influence of TMCF in establishing the vision for his non-profit.
“Although a very pivotal component, TMCF is more than just an organization that provides financial scholarships. It is an organization that takes its mission further by providing opportunities for students to be immersed in and engaged with many professionals and companies,” Joshua shared. “I personally view Thurgood Marshall College Fund as a blueprint and standard of impact that I intend to do similarly in my own way.”
The Monroe, Louisiana native has been heavily involved in TMCF programs and immersive experiences having participated in the Boeing | TMCF Scholar Program, CBRE HBCU Immersive Experience, CBRE Corporate Real Estate Innovation Challenge, and being a Yard Ambassador and Influencer.
As a Boeing | TMCF scholar, Joshua was awarded a total of $30k in scholarships to help complete his college career – assistance that was much needed by the out-of-state scholar double majoring in business entrepreneurship and finance.
“Receiving the $10,000 financial scholarship each year, assisted in the satisfaction of my college tuition. Pursuing two degrees meant that I was required to take many more courses than the average student, along with summer classes, leading to higher educational costs and fees,” Joshua said. “The financial assistance from Boeing helped me to remain more focused on my education and professional development and less on its expenses. Personally, the investment was an incredible gift that not only supported me significantly but inspired me to give back in the same way that was given to me.”
In addition to receiving financial support from the TMCF’s partnership with Boeing, Joshua also received a job offer from the Fortune 100 company after interning with them since 2022.
“It’s one thing to receive a new offer, it’s another to be welcomed back with open arms into a company, more specifically into a team of people, that I’ve worked with for almost two years. As a Cohort IV Boeing | TMCF scholar, I was granted an open door into The Boeing Company with a basket of support, networks and resources to guide me into the professional working environment prior to graduation.”
Joshua began his full-time position as a government capital and property management specialist within the Defense, Space and Security Division at Boeing on May 17. He plans to continue his education this fall at Webster University as a finance/MBA candidate.
