2022 - ECC Dean Cathy Taylor honored with YWCA Education Award

Cathy Taylor, MBA, dean of sustainability, business, and career technologies at Elgin Community College, received the 2022 Harriet Gifford & Hattie Griffin Award for Education at the YWCA Elgin’s 38^th annual Leader Luncheon on May 12, 2022. Taylor was recognized for her strong commitment to helping students reach their academic and career goals. This is the second year in a row that an ECC nominee has won this award. Susan Timm, EdD, professor of business, received the award in 2021.

In Taylor’s nomination, submitted by ECC, it was noted how she works tirelessly alongside other administrators, faculty, industry partners, and the community to create opportunities for student success. Her strong morals, integrity, and empathy are evident in everything she says and does.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to receive this award. As a life-long learner, I appreciate and recognize the value of education that creates uplifting opportunities in our lives,” said Taylor. “I am a product of community college, and like many of our students, I too was a first-generation, single parent, working adult from a minoritized community. The education I received through community college changed the trajectory of my life. Combined with my own academic journey and everything that this award represents, I am energized and committed to strengthening partnerships with faculty, staff, and administrators at ECC to ensure those in the Elgin community have life-changing educational experiences as well.”

The Leader Luncheon is a signature event of the YWCA Elgin, held annually to honor deserving women for their outstanding accomplishments and raise funds to support the organization's work.