Uncrowned Community Builders

Lynn Taylor was born in Buffalo in 1962 to Raymond and Rita Taylor. At the age of three, Lynn was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. This diagnosis is a thread that weaves its way through Lynnââ?¬â?¢s extraordinary life of accomplishment and a thread that has reappeared seven more times to be incorporated in her tapestry, which is rich and varied and colorful.

Education and faith are the cornerstones of Lynnââ?¬â?¢s life. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication for the University at Buffalo and a Masterââ?¬â?¢s Degree in Applied Policy Studies from Sussex University in England. Lynn is currently working on her Master of Divinity at Northeastern Seminary on the Roberts Wesleyan Campus in Rochester, New York. For a change of pace, she has become a New York State certified nail technician ââ?¬â?? she says this is her artistic side and one can just see her taking her ââ?¬Å?nail ministryââ?¬ to people who are in nursing homes or confined to their homes.

Lynnââ?¬â?¢s work life has been also varied and very interesting. She was an assistant professor of African American History at Erie Community College. She also taught cross cultural issues in the Womenââ?¬â?¢s Studies Department at the University at Buffalo. As a visiting professor, she taught comparative British and American history at the University of Sussex. She was the program coordinator for United Neighborhoods, a program under the auspices of the United Way and worked at Elim Christian Fellowship as administrative adjutant. Her most recent job was Director of Multi-Cultural Affairs at Dââ?¬â?¢Youville College.

And cancer weaves through all of this. The May/June 2004 mamm Magazine chronicles Lynnââ?¬â?¢s extraordinary incidents of these disease and her equally and courageous way she lives with this disease. Yet, she still found the time and strength after her treatment at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, to perform pastoral care as a volunteer. As a member of Gildaââ?¬â?¢s Club, Lynn has drawn strength there and has given much to the organization, including a generous amount of her time in the Clubââ?¬â?¢s outreach video.

Lynn has received numerous commendations and honors for her volunteerism and community achievements. She continues to give back to the community at every opportunity.