Valerie L. Taylor  is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary, Gender, and Ethnic Studies. She received her Ed.D in Education Organizational Leadership and Communication from Northeastern University, master's degree in public administration (NOVA Southeastern University, FL) and bachelor's degree in political science (Howard University, D.C.). As a Black Feminist interdisciplinary scholar-activist, her research seeks to identify pathways for young Black women to develop and utilize their leadership skills, deepen the understanding of the roles that women of color play in shaping the cultural narrative in the media and digital spaces, and center culturally responsive rape prevention education. Her research draws from experiences as an advocate and administrator working with Black and Afro-Caribbean communities, cultural institutions, anti-violence/sexual violence communities, and youth of color. Her work appears in A Second Helping of Gumbo For My Soul II.