As part of the recognition, Taylor received $5,000 to donate to Bellarmine’s FIRST Robotics program, where she has volunteered as director since 2015. Taylor also serves as a principal financial system analyst at Alaska Airlines and was one of six employees selected for the honor this year from among the airline’s more than 30,000 employees.

Under Taylor’s leadership, Bellarmine’s Team 360, “The Revolution,” has achieved unprecedented success. The team has qualified for and competed at the FIRST World Championship in Houston every year since 2023, marking the first time in program history Bellarmine has qualified for Worlds four consecutive years.

Taylor was nominated for the award by Cole Cosgrove, communications director at Alaska Airlines and father of Team 360 alumnus Jameson Cosgrove B’25 and current Bellarmine student Corinne Cosgrove B’29.

“I’ve always been impressed by Joy’s dedication to the program and the students, volunteering early mornings and late nights, upward of 40 hours per week during the robot build season during practices, competitions and travel to tournaments,” Cosgrove wrote in his nomination.

Taylor’s involvement with FIRST Robotics began 13 years ago when her two sons participated in the program. What began as a family connection has grown into more than a decade of service to young people. Her husband, Dan, and their sons have also remained involved, returning as mentors for current students.

Through her leadership and commitment, Taylor continues to provide Bellarmine students with opportunities to develop their skills in engineering, problem-solving, collaboration and leadership while competing at the highest levels of FIRST Robotics.