2009 Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient, Charlotte, NC

At the turn of the millennium, Antoinette Taylor (MBA '06) envisioned building a company that would stay ahead of technological advancements. In 2001, Ms. Taylor and three others, including her husband, turned that idea into reality by founding JASZ Technology Inc., a software development company. Three of the founding partners shared a common bond—they were Strayer University students.

JASZ Technology supports government and public sectors through Web site design and software development. Ms. Taylor, company president and chief executive officer, led JASZ Technology in developing the Personnel Certification Support System. The Web-based training and certification management system is used by clients, including the Department of Defense.

Outside of work, Ms. Taylor is passionate about animal and human welfare. She created a National Wildlife Reserve in northern Raleigh, N.C. She is involved in her community through volunteer efforts at homeless shelters and the Raleigh Rescue Mission, a faith-based organization that offers food, shelter and other necessities to homeless and disadvantaged individuals.

Ms. Taylor, who served 11 years in the U.S. Army, was nominated in 2008 as a Veteran of the Year by the Small Business Technical Development Center in Raleigh, N.C. Prior to earning her master’s degree from Strayer University, Ms. Taylor obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics from Empire State College, a State University of New York.

In her free time, the New York City native enjoys kayaking, hiking and developing concepts for high-tech games for the Apple iPhone that can be used for job training.