Taylor goulbourne, phd, mph

With a blend of research and community-driven program/service design expertise, I focus on empowering nonprofit and community-based organizations to develop and refine programs that effectively support the communities they serve. As an external partner, I apply mixed-methods research and human-centered approaches to help organizations assess impact, strengthen service delivery, and create sustainable, community-led solutions.

I’m passionate about both my work and sharing knowledge, which is why I have the privilege of serving as an adjunct instructor in Thomas Jefferson University’s Master of Public Health program. I teach the Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation course, where I mentor and guide future public health professionals in designing and assessing effective community initiatives.

As a LUMA-certified human-centered design practitioner and a participant in PMI's Wicked Problem Solving course, I bring a thoughtful, equity-centered approach to every project. Over the past decade, I have led research initiatives and designed community-driven programs and services both in-house and as an external consultant. I believe that intentional, research-informed programming is key to advancing equity and fostering healthier, more resilient communities.

Born and raised in Omaha, I am deeply invested in my local community. I currently serve on the board of directors for EPIC for Girls and contribute to No More Empty Pots' community advisory committee. As a Senior Consultant at Technical Assent, a service design advisory firm for the U.S. federal government, I continue to apply my expertise in community-centered research and service design to drive positive change at scale.

I hold a Ph.D. in Communication from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.S. in Kinesiology and Anthropology from The College of William & Mary.

I am eager to collaborate with mission-driven organizations seeking to develop, evaluate, and enhance community-led programs and services. I look forward to exploring ways we can work together to create lasting, positive change.

My expertise

empowering & engaging communities through Inclusive, Data-Driven Research and Design

With a Ph.D. in Communication and a deep commitment to engaging historically underserved and underrepresented communities, I specialize in building authentic connections that drive meaningful, community-led change. My expertise lies in understanding and addressing structural barriers to engagement, ensuring that programs and services are not only effective but also deeply aligned with the lived experiences and needs of the people they serve.

My research—including my doctoral work that includes a model of community engagement—centers on leveraging mixed-methods research, human-centered design, and community-based participatory approaches to elevate community voices in program design and evaluation. Over the past decade, I have collaborated with nonprofit and community-based organizations to design inclusive, data-informed solutions that advance equity. Whether developing program frameworks, assessing outcomes, or co-creating sustainable strategies, my focus remains on fostering trust, amplifying community assets, and ensuring that historically excluded populations are active partners in shaping impactful solutions.

  • I prioritize engaging the community in every stage of program design and evaluation. By listening to and collaborating with the communities we aim to serve, I ensure that solutions are rooted in their true needs, fostering trust and long-term impact.

  • I apply mixed-methods research to provide comprehensive, evidence-based insights that guide organizations in creating more effective programs and services. My approach ensures that every strategy is informed by both qualitative and quantitative data, driving actionable results and continuous improvement.

  • My work focuses on developing sustainable, community-driven solutions that empower organizations and individuals to create lasting change. By incorporating human-centered design and participatory research methods, I help organizations build programs that are not only impactful but also adaptable and resilient over time.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER !