A moment with: Taylor Adams

Taylor Adams serves as the Manager of Annual and Special Giving at the Sequoia Hospital Foundation in Redwood City, Calif.

Taylor joined Sequoia’s foundation nearly two years ago having previously spent three and a half years at the CHI Franciscan Foundation in Tacoma, Wash. Prior to that, she worked for a company that manufactured semi-trucks, in their corporate HR department. Taylor oversaw professional development trainings and organized the company’s global leadership conferences.

“I was able to meet people from all over the world, and I now know A LOT about semi-trucks! And before that I was in college – Go Zags!”

What brought you into health care fundraising?
Both of my parents worked in the health care industry and working for a non-profit organization was always the goal. When the opportunity presented itself to work for the CHI Franciscan Foundation as their event planner, I jumped at the chance to get my foot in the door. As I became more familiar with the work, I slowly transitioned to overseeing annual giving as well as events.

What keeps you going…what do you love most about your job?
There is something new to learn every day – interacting with the staff and donors keeps you on your toes and keeps you engaged. I love getting to hear donor stories about what Sequoia Hospital means to them – you realize how grateful you are to work at such an amazing place.

Tell us about a project at Sequoia you are proud of?
Prior to COVID-19 – Implementing our hospitality cart – a cart filled with items like hand sanitizer, Chap Stick, pens, mints and coloring books for families of patients. At Sequoia we do a wonderful job of taking care of our patients and we wanted to extend that care to their families. We want them to know we are thinking of them too. This cart is taken around by our hospital volunteers every day to our waiting rooms – this also allows for our volunteers to connect with family members and make them feel comfortable.

What would you tell someone who is just entering the field?
Be open minded – there is so much to learn within health care philanthropy, and things are constantly changing. Soak in as much information as you can in order to understand how all functions work together.

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?
If I could try any job, I would love to open a bakery. I just need to perfect my croissant recipe first! I love to bake. I’ve been hired for birthday parties, weddings, graduations, bridal showers and charity functions. I find it relaxes me after a long or stressful day in the office. Plus, I love seeing a recipe come together and people enjoying it.

Outside of the office, what does relaxation look like to you?
Aside from baking, relaxation in my household is hanging out with my husband and year and a half-old bernedoodle, watching reruns of The Office.

Finally, finish this sentence: Philanthropy is….
Philanthropy is engaging in acts, whether big or small, that help society as a whole.