Student Spotlight | Taylor Walker | #VUHRDStory

villanovahrd
Oct 13
3 min read

In HR, we are always focused on people and how to make their work experiences better, whether that be employees, employers, or other HR professionals. Here at Villanova, the HRD program does the same. Our students, the people, are the backbone of our program. Coming from different backgrounds with unique experiences, they enhance and influence their journeys in the program and careers in HR. The goal of our student spotlight series is to highlight those unique experiences and bring our students together beyond classes.

Our student spotlight this week is Taylor Walker, a second-year student in the MSHRD program!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m a full-time RVer, rolling through life one adventure at a time while building a career in the cannabis industry. With a Sociology degree from UMASS Amherst, I’ve spent the last six years leading HR in the fast-paced world of cannabis, helping teams and businesses grow. Before that, I was deep in the world of leadership and learning at Apple, coaching and mentoring teams. I’m all about people-first leadership, creating workplaces where folks feel valued, and bringing a fresh perspective to the industry. When I’m not working, you’ll find me riding horses in the mountains of Montana, hiking waterfalls along the West Coast, or chasing down the best slice of pie, no road trip is too far for a great dessert!

What drove you to choose the Villanova HRD program?

I chose the Villanova HRD program because of a recommendation from my current leader, a proud Villanova alum. When I shared my desire to pursue a master’s degree, along with the challenges of balancing work, travel, and staying engaged, she immediately pointed me toward Villanova. I’m so grateful for her insight because this program has been exactly what I needed. The knowledge shared by the professors, the invaluable networking with fellow students, and the live online classes have all made a huge impact on my learning experience. It’s given me the flexibility I need without sacrificing the depth of education and connection that I was looking for.

How has your HRD experience benefitted your career trajectory?

My experience in HRD has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory, aligning with my goal of becoming a CHRO. I’m committed to continuously educating myself to effectively support organizations and set them up for long-term success. The HRD program is equipping me with the skills and strategic insight not just to support an organization but to help drive and develop industry-leading companies. It’s providing me with a deeper understanding of organizational development, leadership, and workforce strategy, key elements that will allow me to make a meaningful impact at the executive level.

What has been your favorite course in the program and why?

While I’ve taken valuable lessons from every class, the Evidence-Based HR course significantly impacted my career. It reinforced my leadership philosophy that without data, we’re making decisions in the dark. This course helped me refine my ability to use data-driven insights to support strategic HR initiatives, ensuring that every decision is backed by facts rather than assumptions. It strengthened my confidence in advocating for evidence-based practices, which has been crucial in my role as an HR leader in the cannabis industry.