Giving Back with Flair

By Jessica Escalante

Photographer: Janelle Ayala

Taylor Lee Moreno is the Executive Director at Avance El Paso, a nonprofit organization that is helping change the face of education for the El Paso community by educating parents and children from birth to four-years-old in a two-generational approach. Parents learn to meet the physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs of their children and to see themselves as their children’s first teachers.

On a typical week, Moreno oversees a program that will soon expand to 21 sites. Together with a team of 78 others, AVANCE has helped serve over 1,500 families in the last year alone.

In the first moments of meeting Taylor, you’ll notice two organic characteristics about her, the first being her servant’s heart and the second, her impeccable sense of style.

With an edgy haircut and feminine panache, Taylor met us at Tabla where we photographed her in her own [amazing] clothes and talked about her passion for work and fashion.

The Stanton Magazine: What’s your favorite part about being in your line of work?

Taylor Moreno: I love being able to help the community and help families become empowered through education. It is very humbling to be able to impact the lives of all of the families we serve.  Since an early age, my mother always taught me to give back to the community. Working for AVANCE allows me to give back on a daily basis, and I love that. When challenges seem insurmountable, I take a moment to run over to one of our sites to visit with our participants.  Hearing from the mothers about the impact the program is having on their lives and seeing their children thrive provides me with drive and determination to meet the obstacles with a renewed energy.

TSM: Describe your personal style.

TM: Professional with an edgy flair.

TSM: Name three things every woman should own?

TM: A handbag that can be versatile with any outfit, a pair of platform pumps and a power suit.

TSM: What clothing items do you spend the most on?

TM: Shoes and handbags…they make an outfit!

TSM: What are your favorite brands?

TM: I do not have favorite brands, but I do have my list of favorite stores: ZARA, Anthropologie, J. Luxe, and Tres Mariposas are amongst them.

TSM: As a professional, why do you think style is important?

TM: Personal style gives people a glimpse into your personality. Style announces who you are. Confidence allows you to pull it off. I think confidence is very stylish.

Note from the author: For our September issue, TSM featured two stylish locals. To meet our other Stylish Local, click here.