Get to know Taylor!
Taylor is our newest intern and we're thrilled to have her join our team! She's currently working on her PhD in environmental science at the University of Rhode Island where she's specializing in environmental access and disability justice. Although Taylor will be mostly helping out with internal operations at BB, still keep an eye out for her on the James this summer! She's looking forward to going on her first white water rafting trip with BB once the weather warms up!
What do you go by?
I go by Taylor, but I've always wanted a nickname! I'm open to suggestions. 🤩
How old are you?
I just completed my 31st lap around the sun this past October!
Where did you attend college or school?
I'm currently a student at the University of Rhode Island.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in smalltown USA—Powhatan, VA!
Favorite outdoor activity?
Yikes, it feels impossible to pick just one, but if I had to choose, I'd have to say skiing! During the warm weather months, you can expect to find me biking and playing tennis.
What's your guilty pleasure?
(Bad) movie nights. I love good movies, but there's something to be said about watching one that's particularly awful and relentlessly ripping it apart with family and friends.
What is your favorite type of BB trip?
I got started with BB this winter, so I haven't been on many trips (yet!), but I have been rock climbing and that was amazing! After my spinal cord injury, I didn't think I'd ever be able to do this again, but I'm so glad BB proved otherwise!
Favorite band?
SUCH a tough question because I listen to so many different genres of music, but I've narrowed it down to three: Caamp, Blink-182, and Watchhouse.
Favorite food?
Avocado toast with an over easy egg on top. A timeless winner. I could literally eat this every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it.
How did you get involved with BB?
Very serendipitously! Last year, I started playing lacrosse and one of my teammates mentioned adaptive climbing and that's when I first learned about BB! I went for a session at Peak RVA, met some of their team, and immediately knew they were people I wanted to know and work with! I shamelessly stalked their website looking for opportunities to get involved and was SO stoked to learn that they accepted interns!
Why does BB's mission resonate with you?
I believe access to the outdoors is a fundamental human right. When we take the time to understand the barriers that exclude certain communities from enjoying natural spaces, meaningful inclusion becomes possible. Learning that BB operates from this belief and actively brings it to life in their work was a game changer for me—not only as an environmental justice student, but also as someone with a physical disability and a big love for nature.
Fun fact about yourself?
I'm currently in the process of learning how to bobsled!