Community service has always been important to Taylor Dorsey-Flowers, a Durham, N.C., native and co-founder of the nonprofit organization GROWTH NC. Founded in 2020, the organization provides support to young girls and has recently scored generous donations with partners, such as United Black Athletes at Duke University.
However, as she continued to serve her community, she wanted to hone her leadership skills, and decided to enroll into North Carolina Central University (NCCU)’s Master of Science in Human Sciences program in fall 2020.
“The coursework in my program helped me to further understand and put into context how individuals develop within families,” said Dorsey-Flowers. “I’ve been able to apply the knowledge from my studies to create effective programs and interventions for youth and their families and improve my leadership skills through supervising staff.”
Dorsey-Flowers proudly credits her family for their assistance during her academic journey, acknowledging her mother Jerri Dorsey, who she describes as her inspiration to succeed. She also expresses gratitude for Nina Smith, Ph.D., associate professor of human sciences.
“Not only did her teaching style challenge me to make connections and exercise critical thinking, but it also had a positive impact on my personal life and my career,” Dorsey-Flowers explained. “She made my academic experience at NCCU an amazing journey that will have a lasting impact on me personally and professionally. I am fortunate to have Dr. Smith as my mentor.”
Following graduation, she will continue to expand the GROWTH NC organization with her lifelong friend, Asha Freeland while also serving as youth director for the Durham YMCA of the Triangle.
“I am looking forward to implementing some of the strategies and approaches I have learned during my master’s program,” she said. “I also plan to continue to create unique experiences and safe nurturing spaces for youth through my organization.”
Her advice for future Eagles? “Don’t think you have to walk this journey alone. An African
proverb says ‘if you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Remember you
are not on this journey alone. There are family, friends, students, alumni, professors and
ancestors who are rooting for you. My strength comes from my ancestors who paved the way for me.”
