Tayhlor Williams on why she joined Simply the Basics Ambassador Program
Tell us about yourself
I am a recent graduate of Barnard College in New York City, and recently made a big move to another wonderful city – Boston – where I’ve begun a career as a Project Associate at a healthcare consulting organization. I am a huge foodie, and love getting lost in a good book in some sort of outside setting (preferably by some water since the sounds are so relaxing!).
How did you first learn about Simply the Basics?
I learned about Simply the Basics at the National Reproductive Health Conference in San Francisco this past August. I was so moved by the mission and values of the organization since they align so much with my own personal values, which primarily includes extending empathy to those who need support, and honoring the humanity in everyone.
What were you able to take with your after hearing Simply the Basics present during the National Reproductive Health Conference?
Something that stood out to me immediately was Meghan’s explanation of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, because it so simply draws the picture – we cannot expect people to be the best version of themselves if their foundational needs are not met. When buildings are constructed, the foundation on which that building lies is stable enough to handle the wear and tear of natures’ forces; if the foundation is not strong, the building will succumb to even the slightest disturbance. The same can be said of humans.
As a Simply the Basics Ambassador, what do you hope to gain from this experience or hope to share with others?
My primary goal as an ambassador is to illuminate the ways in which we are all connected and, in many ways, responsible for using our voices and resources to fight hygiene insecurity. I also hope to build a community around breaking the many stigmas about being homeless, and inspire people to take action in ways that feel right to them.
Anything else you would like to share or add about your experience in the field of Healthcare or working with people Experiencing Homelessness?
When I worked with the Right to Counsel NYC Coalition, which consists of tenants, lawyers, advocates, and organizers who fight the plague of unjust evictions in the city, I painfully understood why education is the single most powerful tool that can change the trajectory of someone’s life. In many tenants’ cases in NYC, being educated about their rights and being taught how to exercise those rights was the difference between being unlawfully evicted from their homes and being able to keep that very home. This is why I so strongly believe in spreading the word about Simply the Basics – the more people we reach, including those experiencing homelessness who may not know about Simply the Basics as a resource for them, the more chances we have to change the lives of those who need our support.
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Learn More about Simply the Basics Ambassador Program and how you may be eligible to join!