Crowned for a Cause: How Dr. Marquita Taylor Wields Leadership as a Legacy
In a world where leadership is often mistaken for titles or applause, Dr. Marquita Taylor reminds us that true leadership is grounded in purpose, courage, and the relentless pursuit of equity. As the reigning Ms. Virginia, Black United States 2025 and an acclaimed cancer research scientist and healthcare executive, Dr. Taylor does not simply occupy spaces—she transforms them. Her story is one of service, science, and soul—a masterful blend of intellect and impact.
From an early age, Dr. Taylor understood the power of using one’s voice for change. Her journey into leadership was not a straight line—it was forged in the tension between ambition and adversity. As a Black woman in STEM, she faced systemic barriers that questioned her worth, yet she refused to be silenced. Instead, she chose to lead—not by command, but by compassion and action. “Legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind,” she says, “It’s about how you lead while you’re still here.”
Dr. Taylor’s career is a testament to what happens when brilliance meets bravery. Her roles span from consulting at the CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic to executive leadership in cancer research and health informatics. In these arenas, she has remained laser-focused on one mission: improving outcomes for Black women. Whether through qualitative research, inclusive educational programs, or digital health transformation, Dr. Taylor’s leadership style is strategic, data-driven, and deeply personal.
Her proudest moments stem from the impact she’s had on the most vulnerable communities. At the height of the pandemic, while many recoiled in uncertainty, Dr. Taylor leaned in. Her work with the CDC helped tailor equitable public health messaging to underserved populations—a life-saving intervention at a time when information was power. Later, she would go on to serve in inaugural roles at institutions like the Yale School of Medicine and Columbia University, not as a token, but as a trailblazer carving paths for others.
But legacy isn’t built in isolation. Dr. Taylor credits key mentors—especially Black women leaders in medicine and academia—for showing her the possibilities beyond glass ceilings. “They didn’t just lift as they climbed,” she reflects. “They made sure the ladder was wide enough for all of us.”
Her leadership has reshaped institutions and inspired peers alike. At the University of Virginia, where she now serves as Associate Cancer Center Director and Assistant Professor, she has spearheaded initiatives to embed equity into research and care models. She is the architect behind programs that merge technology with humanity, championing informatics to close gaps in health disparities.
At the core of Dr. Taylor’s leadership are values of equity, integrity, and innovation. She doesn’t lead from a place of hierarchy but of humanity. Each decision she makes—from the classroom to the boardroom—is anchored in the belief that everyone deserves access to quality care and the opportunity to thrive.
To aspiring leaders, Dr. Taylor offers a clarion call: “Lead with authenticity. Don’t chase legacy—live it. Every room you enter is a chance to change lives.” Her long-term vision includes expanding research initiatives, mentoring the next generation of minority scientists, and advancing policies that dismantle systemic inequities in healthcare.
Balancing her dynamic career with personal life, Dr. Taylor stays grounded through faith, family, and setting intentional boundaries. “Wellness is revolutionary,” she insists. “You can’t lead others well if you don’t care for yourself.”
Her crown may shine under stage lights, but her true radiance comes from the lives she changes, the barriers she breaks, and the legacy she is writing—one courageous decision at a time.
About the Author
Dr. Marquita Taylor is a decorated cancer research scientist, epidemiologist, health informaticist, and the reigning Ms. Virginia, Black United States 2025. She is the Associate Cancer Center Director and Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. With a focus on advancing health equity for Black women, Dr. Taylor has held leadership roles at the CDC, Yale, and Columbia University. She is a pioneer in digital health innovation and an advocate for inclusive research. Her unwavering commitment to service, education, and transformation continues to inspire a new generation of leaders.
