We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Michelle Taylor, also known as Feminista Jones, as the first-ever guest speaker at Huckleberry House’s Sleep Out! Dr. Taylor will join us in Columbus to speak on Harnessing the Power of Community, sharing insights and inspiration to help all of us create stronger, more connected communities.

This is the first time Sleep Out has featured a guest speaker, and we could not be more excited to bring Dr. Taylor to Columbus. Her message aligns perfectly with this year’s theme: We Are Community. Together, we can strengthen connections, take action, and create lasting impact for the young people we serve.
 
About 'Harnessing the Power of Community'
 
For Dr. Taylor, one of the biggest lessons she learned during her years as a social worker is simple but profound: Nothing changes when people fight. Positive change happens when we work together.
 
In this talk, she shares practical strategies for building a sense of community and belonging, explains why it matters now more than ever, and shows how each of us can start influencing change in our own communities today. Sleep Out participants will leave inspired to connect, collaborate, and make a real difference for young people facing homelessness.

 
About Dr. Michelle Taylor
 
Dr. Taylor is a writer, educator, public speaker, social worker, and community activist whose work centers on social justice, advocacy, and equity. Twice named one of the 100 most influential people in Philadelphia and recognized as one of the top 50 feminists in the world, she is also widely known as Feminista Jones on social media.
 
She holds a Ph.D. in Africology & African American Studies from Temple University, an M.S.W. in Organizational Leadership and Management from CUNY-Hunter College, and a B.A. in African American Studies and Sociology of Deviance & Law from the University of Pennsylvania. She is also certified in Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies; Executive Leadership in Social Impact Strategy; and Online Teaching.
 
An award-winning writer and thought leader, Dr. Taylor is the author of the critically acclaimed Reclaiming Our Space: How Black Feminists Are Changing the World From the Tweets to the Streets. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time, Essence, EBONY, Out, Salon, and many more, and she has appeared as a featured speaker on platforms worldwide.
 
Her presentations and lectures draw from her lived experiences and expertise in diversity, inclusion, equity, organizational culture, race, class, culture, LGBTQ+ identity, mental health, and social work. She has taught courses on topics including The African American LGBTQ Experience, Mass Media and the Black Community, and The History and Significance of Race in America.
 
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Taylor is the founder of Sankofa Summer School, co-creator of the podcast Black Girl Missing, and an outspoken advocate for the homeless and marginalized populations. She is also a proud mom, mentor, and community leader.