Bringing Southern Hospitality to CALV: Taylor’s Journey

From Baton Rouge to Las Vegas: How Taylor Brings Southern Hospitality to CALV Students

Hospitality isn’t just a skill Taylor Williams has learned. It’s part of her upbringing. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Taylor was surrounded by the warmth of Southern Hospitality. At 18, she began working as a server at a local diner, where she discovered her love of caring for people. 

After moving away from Louisiana, Taylor realized she missed the comfort she found in the service she received back home. She wanted to bring that cultural difference into the industry. Changing her major from Business to Hospitality set her on the path of Hospitality Management, allowing her to incorporate her Southern charm into every job and class she took. 

Before joining the teaching staff at The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas (CALV), Taylor was in hospitality management, mentoring employees on the Las Vegas Strip. Her ability to connect and natural leadership skills eventually led her to transition into teaching, where she shares her knowledge and experiences with students. 

During her time at CALV, Taylor has found a deeper purpose working with students from all walks of life. “Most of the students I’ve worked with have come from hardship, just out of high school without a clear path, or looking for a career change, she says. “Regardless of their stories, they’re not giving up, and that’s what inspires me every day.” 

Outside of the classroom, Taylor notes that being a mother is her proudest accomplishment. She breaks generational barriers and shows her daughter that dreams are within reach. She embodies the same perseverance she encourages in her students every day.