Birthday: July 15, 2003
Who is Taylor Richardson?
Taylor Richardson, also known as Astronaut Starbright, is an American public figure famous for being a student, an activist, a philanthropist, and an American advocate.
She serves as an inspiration for today’s children and dreams of becoming an astronaut, scientist, and engineer in the future. She has been using her voice and influence to encourage children to dream big and get more involved in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.
She was also a role model for the Lottie Dolls for Astro Adventure Suit campaign and has been awarded various accolades from different organizations and institutions.
5 Facts About Taylor Richardson
- Since she was nine years old, she has visited several NASA Space Centers and even attended the US Space Rocket and Center, aka Space Camp. In addition, she is a Student Space Ambassador for The Mars Generation.
- She has met Dr. Mae Jemison, her biggest idol, the first African American female to ever go to space.
- She has raised over $20,000 to send girls to watch the movie “Hidden Figures” and $101,000 in GoFundMe to send young girls to watch “A Wrinkle in Time.”
- She has also visited The White House, which inspired her to start her fundraising campaigns for kids.
- She has a book drive called “Taylor’s Take Flight with A Book Project” in her community which aims to send books to children who cannot afford them.
Famous Quotes from Taylor Richardson
“Be yourself and know that your goals are more important than what others “think” you can accomplish. It’s okay to dream, but it’s better to do it.”
“I advocate for girls in STEM so that they know that they have someone encouraging them and who looks like them. Representation in the STEM community lacks women and people of color, and the media plays a part in that.”
“I think our generation are the change-makers because we see a need and we want change, and we are willing to stand on the frontlines for it — for it’s the right thing to do, and it’s most definitely time.”
“I was bullied because of my skin color, retained in second grade because I initially was a slow reader. I was told not to participate in STEM activities because I was a girl, and have ADHD (Which I call Abundantly Different Happily Divine) but haven’t let any of those obstacles slow me down or make me feel like my goals are not attainable. I believe in doing, not just dreaming.”
“For me, it was my love for literacy and a passion for the stars that took me on a trajectory to disrupt the status quo.”
Taylor Richardson Biography
Childhood and Early Life
Taylor Richardson was born on July 15, 2003, in Columbia, South Carolina. As a child, she attended The Bolles School, an American private college preparatory day and boarding school in Jacksonville, Florida.
Her mother, Latonja Richardson, was the one who helped Taylor develop an interest in STEM. She also ensured that her daughter had a fair opportunity to educational resources such as books, clubs, and STEM camps.
Taylor mentioned that with her family being such a sound support system for her, she was able to stay concentrated and resolved to achieve her goals.
She also said that reading Dr. Mae Jemison’s book, “Find Where The Wind Goes,” was also a turning point for her. Moreover, after she participated in the Huntsville, Alabama space camp, she became much more determined to become an astronaut.
Career
Taylor Richardson started a book drive to deliver elementary books in Jacksonville, Florida. She has since been active in her pursuit to provide her community with outreaches.
Under the Obama administration, she was invited to the White House twice. The first one was in June 2016 when the White House State of Women summit, the first of its kind to tackle issues on health, education, literacy, and gender equality.
She attended it as a change maker. Her second White House visit was for the special private screening of the movie “Hidden Figures.”
She then started raising money to have children watch Hidden Figures and A Wrinkle in Time. Both fundraisers were so successful that Taylor became the GoFundMe hero of February 2017. After that, she sent Kaitlyn Ludlam to a space camp using the remaining funds.
Taylor also spoke for March for Science in DC. Her speech has since been included in Stories of Science, and she was featured in Women You Should Know. In addition, Taylor has been giving speeches all around the United States and in foreign countries such as England and Ireland to advocate for STEM towards young girls.
Achievements
Taylor Richardson was recognized for her community service in Jacksonville as a Hands-On Jax Youth in Action awardee and received the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service award.
She was also a Point of Light honoree and a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Tomorrow’s Leaders Middle School.
Her alma mater also gave her The Bolles School Presidential Medal, and she was given the honor of being the Best Teen of the Year in 2018. Glamour included her in the list, “17 Girls Who Really Changed the World,” and Teen Vogue also named her “21 Under 21”.
