Next Woman Up Feature: Taylor Washington
Meet Next Woman Up, Taylor Washington
What do you love most about what you do?
When it comes to my current occupation, I love being able to help bring a company’s vision to life. Whether that’s an in-show integration, a Pause or Engagement Ad that shows on Peacock, I love doing the work from beginning to end and seeing the excitement or positive feedback online about how much they loved the content shown! As far as my podcast goes, what I really love is being able to head a woman or man’s story on how they were able to land their dream job or overcome a difficult situation. We all have amazing journeys, and each one is very different which goes to show that there’s not one way to get into the industry. Secondly, I love the idea of giving back and helping the next woman or generation. Knowing that someone’s life or career can change based off of one of these interviews or that they can learn something that they never knew, that makes me feel good.
What does Next Woman Up mean to you and why is it important for the visibility of women is sports & entertainment?
To me, Next Woman Up means who is going to step up to the table next! Who is prepared enough to take on a more prominent role when they’re looking for someone to take on a new role, or when someone is out of office, and they need someone to take lead. Or when there’s someone who’s injured and they need another player who’s eager to take on the challenge. When the lights come on, who’s ready to shine? It is so important for the visibility of women in sports and entertainment because we deserve to be seen. Our excellence, achievements, intelligence and success are so bright. It is not just white men that are in this industry, but us women in sports and entertainment are too. We are just as passionate, skilled, and dominant, even more in some aspects. We have a lot that can be brought to the table, and we’re seeing it with our own eyes everyday with more women reporters, coaches, in front office roles, etc. We have more work to do, but we have made much progress thus far!
What advice do you have for the Next Woman Up?
You’re going to receive a lot of no’s before you receive that one yes! Never take it to heart, this industry is simply not easy, but once you’re in it is so worth it! Always work on perfecting your craft as much as possible! Lastly, as a black woman we have our backs against the wall, and it will be challenging, but remember you’re here for a reason. You matter! Your voice matters and know that whenever you’re walking into a room! Never take no for an answer, continue to break barriers and prove them wrong! All you need is that one yes!
