Michelle Taylor
President & CEO
United Way of Delaware, Inc.
Dr. Michelle A. Taylor is a recognized changemaker whose career reflects a steadfast belief in the power of education, financial security, and cross-sector collaboration to transform lives and communities. With nearly four decades in the nonprofit and human services sector, she is a results-driven leader committed to systemic impact.
As President and CEO of United Way of Delaware, Dr. Taylor leads with a global mindset, championing bold initiatives that address intergenerational poverty, educational inequity, and financial instability. She believes that while these issues often manifest locally, their solutions must be scalable and people-centered.
Among her signature achievements is co-founding Stand by Me®, a groundbreaking public-private partnership that has empowered over 39,000 individuals and families to achieve financial stability. Through personalized coaching and targeted programs, clients have collectively saved more than $64 million, reduced debt by $44 million, and improved credit scores by an average of 90 points, a model now recognized nationwide.
Dr. Taylor also spearheads Live United 2027, a strategic framework advancing early literacy, workforce readiness, and economic empowerment. At its core is a clear goal: every child reading on grade level by third grade, a milestone proven to impact lifelong success. Her strength lies in aligning diverse sectors: business, education, government, and nonprofits around this shared vision.
Her leadership has been especially agile in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she rapidly mobilized relief funding, provided technology for virtual learning, and launched community hubs that continue to serve as vital academic and family resources.
Dr. Taylor holds a BS in Accounting from Morgan State University, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Innovation from Wilmington University. Her leadership style blends strategy with empathy, vision with execution.
Widely recognized for her service, Dr. Taylor is regularly named among her state’s most influential leaders and serves as a sought-after voice on equity, leadership, and economic mobility. As she celebrates over 25 years with United Way, her work remains a testament to the power of local leadership and scalable solutions to drive meaningful, lasting change.
As President and CEO of United Way of Delaware, Dr. Taylor leads with a global mindset, championing bold initiatives that address intergenerational poverty, educational inequity, and financial instability. She believes that while these issues often manifest locally, their solutions must be scalable and people-centered.
Among her signature achievements is co-founding Stand by Me®, a groundbreaking public-private partnership that has empowered over 39,000 individuals and families to achieve financial stability. Through personalized coaching and targeted programs, clients have collectively saved more than $64 million, reduced debt by $44 million, and improved credit scores by an average of 90 points, a model now recognized nationwide.
Dr. Taylor also spearheads Live United 2027, a strategic framework advancing early literacy, workforce readiness, and economic empowerment. At its core is a clear goal: every child reading on grade level by third grade, a milestone proven to impact lifelong success. Her strength lies in aligning diverse sectors: business, education, government, and nonprofits around this shared vision.
Her leadership has been especially agile in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she rapidly mobilized relief funding, provided technology for virtual learning, and launched community hubs that continue to serve as vital academic and family resources.
Dr. Taylor holds a BS in Accounting from Morgan State University, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Innovation from Wilmington University. Her leadership style blends strategy with empathy, vision with execution.
Widely recognized for her service, Dr. Taylor is regularly named among her state’s most influential leaders and serves as a sought-after voice on equity, leadership, and economic mobility. As she celebrates over 25 years with United Way, her work remains a testament to the power of local leadership and scalable solutions to drive meaningful, lasting change.
