A Voice for Change: Maggie Taylor ’26 Inspires Through Advocacy

With confidence and purpose, Maggie Taylor ’26 is speaking up to push for the progress she knows is possible. As an intern for Voices for a Safer Tennessee, her work is grounded in the mission of advocating for the health and safety of Memphis youth. 

“I want to help build a Tennessee where safety, education, and responsibility are more powerful than fear and division,” Maggie said. 

Voices for a Safer Tennessee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing firearm safety policies and programs “that both protect our communities and respect the Second Amendment.” The organization was founded in the days after the Covenant School shooting in Nashville in March 2023.

Maggie is advocating for a future where Memphis is a safe place for everyone. 

“I want to see improvements in how our state educates both adults and youth about firearm responsibility,” she said. “I also hope to help advance legislation that includes secure storage laws, stronger background checks, and temporary transfer laws.”

Through this opportunity, Maggie has been able to use the research skills and confidence she’s learned in class to step into this role. From the Sophomore term paper to fireside chats, St. Mary’s provides girls the opportunities to develop their interests. For Maggie, her interest is public policy.  

“My work includes monitoring current events and recent legislation, tracking gun violence incidents across Tennessee, and keeping the team informed on relevant developments,” Maggie said. “I also help build connections between individuals and organizations in Memphis to strengthen our local network.”

As the only Memphis student representative, Maggie brings a unique perspective to the organization.

"I am proud to represent my community in a way that shows how young people from Memphis can lead, advocate, and make change,” Maggie said.

“I am the only student voice from Memphis, which makes me feel a strong sense of responsibility to share perspectives from my city,” she said. “I am proud to represent my community in a way that shows how young people from Memphis can lead, advocate, and make change.”

This confidence is something she’s developed throughout her courses and opportunities at St. Mary’s. 

“I learned how to think critically, communicate clearly, and lead with purpose. These skills have helped me speak out on issues that matter to me and advocate for change in thoughtful, respectful ways,” Maggie said.

Her time at St. Mary’s has sharpened her voice, broadened her perspective, and grounded her in empathy, equipping her to address some of the most pressing issues in the community.

“Whether it is through writing, public speaking, or collaboration, I have learned how to take ideas and turn them into action. St. Mary’s has also taught me the value of empathy and listening, which has shaped how I approach difficult conversations about gun safety and other issues affecting my community,” Maggie said. “I have used what I have learned to not only raise awareness but also to build connections and work toward solutions that can truly make a difference.”

 

Written by Wallis Rogin ’25