Building legacy through impact.

During Black History Month, we are thrilled to celebrate the history, culture, and accomplishments of Black and African-American people – and provide a spotlight on fellow V teamers who are making an impact. This year’s theme “BOLDer Than Ever, We Are One” highlights our mission to build and nurture community, creating safe spaces, and partnerships that break barriers.

Meet Verizon’s BOLD (Black Originators Leaders and Doers) member, Merdochey, who is living her life BOLDer than Ever.

With more than 20 years experience in the public and private sector, Merdochey Taylor first joined Verizon in 2019 supporting the State and Local Government Affairs team. In her role, Merdochey represents Verizon in three markets and meets with elected stakeholders, business leaders, and community representatives which help inform what projects and initiatives to support.

Impact through learning

Merdochey is a child of Haitian immigrants who came to America seeking a better life for their family. “My parents instilled early on the importance of taking advantage of the right opportunities and making sure my siblings and I were well prepared. There's a certain unspoken burden that children of immigrants have – there’s no playbook for success in our personal or our professional lives.” Merdochey emphasizes having to navigate the pressure of high expectations from her parents while adjusting to new surroundings. “Without a network or blueprint, my only currency has been knowledge.”

Merdochey holds three degrees and an Executive Education certificate from Harvard Business School – and fashions herself a perpetual student, even in her role at Verizon. “It's been said so many times, but knowledge really is power. Knowledge informs what I do, how I live, and what decisions we make. Specifically, through my work in local engagement, knowledge is significant currency. Being informed about the cities where we live, work, play, and do business help inform how we show up as a Corporation, Service Provider, and as a Corporate Steward.”

Impact through action

Outside of work, she is no stranger to service. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a board member of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County which serves the schools, teachers, and students in the School District of Palm Beach County. She was also appointed by the City of Miami's Mayor, Francis Suarez, to the City of Miami's Civilian Investigative Panel, which provides for independent and impartial citizens’ oversight of the Miami Police Department. Last year, she joined 30 women to charter the Greater Broward County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, the mission of which is to transform communities through service. She also chairs the Services to Youth facet which seeks to empower black youth to use their intellect and spirit of achievement to become successful and productive citizens.

Proud to be BOLD

When asked what it means to be BOLDer Than Ever, Merdochey shared the critical value of employee resource groups in the workplace and fostering a sense of belonging. “Our race and ethnicities play a significant role in our outlook on life and how we view and relate to others. ERGs celebrate our differences and substantiate our sense of being and belonging.” For Merdochey, BOLD has been an instrumental force in her professional development. “It has allowed me to meet V Teamers across the business creating and fostering networking relationships. The intentional year-long programming done by BOLD is always enriching with perfectly themed messaging that causes self-reflection and growth.”

Employee resource groups at Verizon

Verizon BOLD is committed to moving the world forward for all. Through discussions, training, and volunteering, this ERG helps V Teamers come together and ensure that everyone knows their worth is powerful.

Learn more about ERGs at Verizon here.