Institute for Women’s Policy Research Welcomes Dr. Jamila K. Taylor as New President and CEO

(Washington, D.C. — The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) today proudly announced that Dr. Jamila K. Taylor (Ja-mee-lah) will be its new President and CEO, assuming the role on February 5, 2024. IWPR’s Board of Directors expressed their enthusiasm in welcoming Dr. Taylor, a seasoned researcher and nationally recognized advocate for women’s health, as a dynamic new leader who will help write the next chapter of IWPR’s storied history.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have Jamila joining IWPR at this pivotal moment for women, with new threats to their health and freedoms emerging every day. Jamila has a stellar reputation as a visionary leader and was the Board’s unanimous choice to shape IWPR’s future and help us impact the lives of women and girls all across this nation. I can’t wait to see where her bold leadership takes us next!” said Paula Sammons, Chairperson, IWPR Board of Directors.

As a national leader and lifelong advocate for women’s health and equality, Dr. Taylor brings a wealth of experience to her role. She is a respected healthcare leader in the Black community, having founded the Black Maternal Health Federal Policy Collective, a group of Black women leaders that works to address America’s Black Maternal Health Crisis. As a key advisor to the Congressional Black Maternal Health Caucus, key House and Senate members, and Administration officials, Dr. Taylor has developed some of the most promising policy solutions to address the U.S. Black maternal health crisis and has testified before Congress on structural racism, Black Maternal Health, and the potential impacts of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. She served as a keynote speaker at national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) meetings on maternal health, before the House of Representatives Democratic Caucus, and as a featured speaker at the inaugural White House Maternal Health Day of Action Summit alongside Vice President Kamala Harris. And she has also published and presented extensively in the health policy field. One of her major written contributions includes the first comprehensive policy framework aimed at eliminating racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality in the United States. Most recently, Dr. Taylor served as President and CEO of the National WIC Association.

”Words cannot adequately express how excited I am to be joining the IWPR family. I am honored that the Board of Directors selected me as this historic organization’s new leader at such a pivotal time. I am eager to set a path for IWPR that builds upon its reputation as a trusted economic and equity think tank, producing ground-breaking research and bold policy solutions that advance gender equality in ways that are meaningful and long-lasting. All women and girls deserve clear paths to success and optimal well-being, and IWPR is at the forefront of ensuring a robust future for them—the strength of this country hinges on their success,” said Dr. Jamila K. Taylor.

In announcing Dr. Taylor’s new role, the IWPR Board of Directors reiterated its commitment to supporting her in the coming months and years, ensuring she has the tools and resources necessary to ensure a successful tenure as IWPR’s new President and CEO. Daisy Chin-Lor, who has served as IWPR’s Interim President and CEO for the past year, will continue to serve on the Board, providing additional support to Dr. Taylor as needed.

“It has been an honor to serve as the Interim CEO over the past year. As I step back into my role on the IWPR Board, I carry with me the profound impact of our collective efforts by an amazing team. Grateful for the journey and confidence in the continued success of IWPR under Jamila’s strong leadership.” said Daisy Chin-Lor, IWPR Interim President and CEO.

Dr. Taylor holds a B.A. from Hampton University and earned her Masters of Public Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University. She attained her doctorate degree in Political Science at Howard University and studied international human rights at Oxford University in England.

For more information on IWPR, Dr. Taylor and how to support IWPR’s research click here.

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research strives to win economic equity for all women and eliminate barriers to their full participation in society. As a leading national think tank, IWPR builds evidence to shape policies that grow women’s power and influence, close inequality gaps, and improve the economic well-being of families. Learn more at IWPR.org and follow us on Twitter.

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Institute for Women’s Policy Research Welcomes Dr. Jamila K. Taylor as New President and CEO