Savannah Taylor

Director of Editorial, EBONY: Age 26

Savannah Taylor

When Savannah Taylor was a child, she used to create her own magazines.

“Writing was my superpower,” she recalled. “I’ve always known I’d be a writer. I had faith and confidence that I could tell a great story. So part of what I’m able to do every day, in a sense, is the fulfillment of my childhood dream.”

But it’s much more than that, too, the editorial director at EBONY magazine said.

“I’ve always been passionate that storytelling and communication can bring people together, and I still believe that. And I strongly believe there’s a place for journalism, even in today’s time.”

In her role, Taylor spearheads content strategy, media engagement, and storytelling for one of the most iconic Black media brands, leading a team of writers, editors, and digital strategists at the 80-year-old publication.

As assistant editor before ascending to her current role, she was given plenty of opportunities to broaden her experience.

“We’re a small but mighty team, so I became super involved in a lot of different capacities — culture, entertainment, politics, technology. It allowed me to become super rounded, and I was able to apply that work ethic and be prepared to step into the role of director of Editorial last year.”

Beyond EBONY, Taylor’s entrepreneurial spirit — and her love of community — is evident in a number of ways, starting with her leadership of the Silhouette Brand, a platform she founded to empower Black creatives through media training, branding, and professional development.

As part of that role, she launched Field Fest in 2021, a two-day virtual conference that drew dozens of speakers and about 500 attendees across Western Mass., aimed at inspiring young people and empowering them to succeed. And last year, she was the keynote speaker for Springfield Partners for Community Action’s annual gala.

“Growing up in Springfield, my parents exposed me to a lot of different opportunities,” Taylor said. “There’s such talent in this community; you don’t have to go to Boston or New York to have access to opportunities.

“I’ve always understood Springfield has challenges, but those challenges are not unique to this city. Once I went away to college, I developed a deeper appreciation,” the Syracuse University graduate said. “There’s so much talent here, so much potential. It just needs to be underlined and highlighted in the best light and given a chance to shine. It’s just about opportunity and how we position ourselves in order to be successful.”

—Joseph Bednar