Above photo by Tobie Andrews Photography
Newman University alumna Luisa Taylor ’12 was recently honored with a Wichita Business Journal Diversity & Inclusion award.
Taylor, a registered nurse, is currently a telemedicine training coordinator for Children’s Mercy Specialty Clinics in Wichita, Kansas.
She graduated from Newman with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing before attending Creighton University where she earned a master’s degree in public health in 2017. She is currently working on her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Creighton, which she plans to complete in May 2020.
Taylor said Newman helped pave the way to her future by providing personal attention and a sense of community. She added Newman’s strong reputation in the field and its detailed program helped prepare her for her career.
When Taylor received an email from the Wichita Business Journal stating she was being recognized, she was honored and surprised. She said diversity is something she advocates in every aspect of her life.
“I use my voice to verbalize the importance of exploring how things may affect others in both my career and personal life,” said Taylor. “Many times people are simply unaware of the challenges of others and educating them can make a difference.
“It is so important for me to help represent the Latino/Hispanic community, especially in a leadership role. It helps communities of color be inspired to voice their unique interests in leadership positions.”
The Wichita Business Journal isn’t the first to recognize Taylor’s advocacy for diversity. Her current employer, Children’s Mercy, presented her with its own diversity award in 2016.
Taylor pulls much of her inspiration from one of her role models, Melinda Gates, striving to educate and empower women to make a difference in society. Taylor said influencing the next generation is something she aspires to do on a daily basis — starting with her own children.
“Having two kids at home, my husband and I broach diversity and inclusion openly and frankly. We expect our children to accept and include everyone who does not act, think or look like them in all facets of life.”
Taylor moved to the United States as a child and said her greatest achievement was becoming a U.S. citizen.
“It took me 10 years to become a permanent resident and five more years to achieve citizenship, which I did in 2015,” she explained. “The first thing I did was register to vote. I am so proud to be able to cast my ballot in every local, state and federal election. This achievement has given me the opportunity to educate others about the democratic process with several local nonprofits.”
Taylor’s passion for community is apparent in her volunteerism. She currently sits on the board of Project Access, a program helping Sedgwick County, Kansas, residents receive much-needed medical help.
She is also active with Junior League of Wichita, League of Women Voters-Wichita Metro, American Association of University Women and has volunteered with numerous nonprofit organizations, working with children and young mothers.
Being recognized by the Wichita Business Journal for this topic is something that fuels her passion and she looks forward to the future, hoping to inspire others to join her.
“I hope to continue to find ways to impact my community in any way I can.”
