Liz Taylor, CEFL
Liz Taylor, CEFL, serves as the Executive Director of the Forest City Education Foundation, a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for K–12 students. Since joining the organization in December 2020, Liz has overseen programs ranging from scholarship funding for high school seniors to pre-ACT testing, ACT prep courses, college and career exploration classes, youth leadership conference sponsorships, and school book vending machines. She leads the foundation alongside a dedicated volunteer board, emphasizing passion-driven work and the belief that doing what you love makes all of the hard work worthwhile. Originally from Spencer, Iowa, Liz earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business from Waldorf College and an MBA in Marketing from Columbia Southern University. In 2023, she completed a six-month leadership program through the National Association of Education Foundations, becoming one of the first 100 individuals nationwide to earn the Certified Education Foundation Leader designation. Her career journey reflects a dedication to helping others, from her early experiences in operations and management to her leadership in nonprofit education. Outside of her professional work, Liz has volunteered with BrickStreet Theatre in Forest City. She also enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family on Ballantyne Lake in southern Minnesota.
• Certified Education Foundation Leader
• Columbia Southern University - MBA
• Waldorf College - BA
• Forest City Education Foundation
• National Association of Education Foundations
• BrickStreet Theatre
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the values my parents instilled in me, particularly a strong work ethic and taking pride in everything I do. I am also grateful for the ongoing support of my family, as well as guidance from my mentor, who taught me that pursuing work you love is the greatest form of fulfillment.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best two pieces of career advice I’ve ever received are:
- "It's not rocket science", meaning you don't have to over-complicate your work to be successful.
- "Always trust your gut." Utilizing your instincts, coupled with staying true to your core values, will help you stay grounded and drive your success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to find your passion and let it guide your work. When you love what you do, your work feels different, you bring more of yourself to it, and you build confidence along the way. Choosing work that aligns with your values and interests sets the foundation for a fulfilling and impactful career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is fundraising, which remains a constant focus for nonprofits. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to expand student programming and access, including scholarship support, test preparation programs, college and career exploration, leadership development, and innovative literacy initiatives such as book vending machines.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life include fostering relationships, helping others, taking pride in everything I do, pursuing work driven by passion, and being present for my family and friends.