ABOUT ME
Jessica Taylor
I have a number of accolades to my name, including an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies from Bronx Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies from Pace University, a Juris Doctor’s from Fordham University School of Law, a Master of Divinity and Doctor in Ministry from Drew Theological Seminary. Achieving all this, however, was no easy feat. I truly believe that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. When I lacked the strength and persistence, God gave me the will not give up on life and continue to strive for more, working toward a better life for myself and my children.
Today, I’m a licensed attorney, an administrative law judge, an ordained minister, and finally, a published author! I reside in Richmond County, New York, with my husband, Walter Taylor.
Author’s
Biography
I was born to Luzelia McCormick in Brooklyn, NY in 1968 and was raised with two older sisters and one younger brother.
I am married to Rev. Walter Taylor and we reside in Staten Island, NY with our granddaughter Heaven Nevaeh. I am a licensed attorney and I currently work as an Administrative law judge with the State of New York. I am also an ordained Minister and I enjoy planning and facilitating women’s events to empower and enhance the lives of women.
I was pregnant when I dropped out of high school, in the 10th grade and I had my fourth child at 21 years old.
I returned to school at 23 and received my GED and continued on to receive two college degrees and three graduate degrees.
My Doctoral thesis was titled ‘Women In Need Of Hope’ (Hearing Other People’s Experiences), and it aimed to highlight the importance of sharing testimony in developing and maintaining healthy, growing relationships and communities. I have developed a ministry of transparency by sharing my testimony to inspire others. My passion for supporting and encouraging women, has manifested in my planning and facilitating a Women’s Luncheon every year right in my own backyard. These luncheons are to promote self-care, awareness, and sisterly love.
- Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies from Bronx Community College, 1995
- Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies from Pace University, 1998
- Equal Justice Works Fellow (EJW), 2002
- Juris Doctors from Fordham University School of Law, 2002
- New York State Bar Admission, 2004
- Master of Divinity from Drew Theological Seminary, 2011
- United Missionary Baptist Association (UMBA) Ordination, 2012
- Doctor in Ministry from Drew Theological Seminary, 2018
The personal experiences I have highlighted in my book have greatly influenced my career choices.
I volunteered as a paralegal for Neighborhood Association for Intercultural Affairs (NAICA), assisting underprivileged persons with housing and rental subsidy applications.
I have also worked for Legal Services of NY, advocating for underrepresented women cases involving government benefits, housing, social security, and custody rights.
I worked as an attorney for the City Of New York at the Department of Homeless Services, I provided legal counsel to the Agency to facilitate shelter applications for homeless persons.
I currently work as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of New York, adjudicating hearings between social services clients and city agencies in matters regarding Medicaid, Social Security, Public Assistance, Homeless Services, and Foster Care.
I have done public speaking engagements at churches, schools, and other forums, including the New York Bar Association sharing my skills and my personal testimony to encourage and uplift those in need.