Founder/CEO Community Matters 2

L'Quette Taylor is a distinguished resident of the City of Poughkeepsie, having graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 2005. With a robust career in the architectural field, he serves as a Construction Project Manager, overseeing notable projects such as the Nyack Hospital, Moynihan Station Renovation, and the architecturally acclaimed Queens Astoria subway line renovation.

​

As the Founder and CEO of Community Matters 2, Inc., a grassroots nonprofit organization established in 2018, L'Quette is dedicated to fostering community growth and equity in Poughkeepsie. The organization focuses on serving youth and families through various initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for all. The mission of Community Matters 2, Inc. is to initiate communal growth by organizing events and establishing programs with local organizations that spark community engagement. The organization's vision is to become a community hub where resources are abundant for residents of all ages, ethnicities, and religions.

​

Within the community, L'Quette has spearheaded numerous impactful projects. He has organized over ten community cleanups, resulting in the removal of over 3 tons of trash from Poughkeepsie city streets, engaging over 2,000 volunteers. Additionally, he coordinated the distribution of over 2,500 bottles of water for relief efforts in Puerto Rico and partnered in the "Let’s Feed Poughkeepsie" initiative, which served over 10,000 meals to families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

​

L'Quette has developed nine youth programs over six years, encompassing financial education, coding, mentorship, self-discipline, sports, and cooking dynamics. These programs include the Swim With A Friend initiative in partnership with Marist College and Mid-Hudson Aquatics, the TEE TIME! golf program, and the flagship Etiquette & Spice Masterclass. In 2023, he launched a STEAM Enrichment Summer Camp to combat summer learning loss among elementary students. He also collaborates with the Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet to establish a Cradle-to-Career pipeline and has initiated the Nex-Gen Career Connections workforce development program, providing internship and employment opportunities with local businesses. Furthermore, he has established a national relationship with the American Exchange Project, offering graduating seniors the chance to travel and experience other communities.

​

L'Quette is also a sought-after speaker, having addressed various educational institutions. He has spoken at Vassar College, Bard College, Newburgh Free Academy, and many more sharing his insights and experiences with students. Notably, he was the Keynote Speaker for the 2022 Poughkeepsie High School Graduation Ceremony, inspiring the graduating class with his message.

​

L'Quette's commitment to community service extends to his roles on various committees and boards. He has served on the City of Poughkeepsie Police Reform Committee and Procedural Justice Committee, the Dutchess County Census Committee, and the Police Reform Committee. He was a member of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County and currently serves on the Dutchess County Resiliency Council for Suicide Prevention. He chairs the Dutchess County Youth Opportunity Union “YOU” Advisory Committee and, as of 2024, has been appointed as the Chair of the Neighborhood Choice Planning Task Force by the Mayor of the City of Poughkeepsie.

​

L'Quette's contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Community Builder Award, Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition from Mayor Rob Rolison, County Executive Mark Molinaro, Senator Sue Serino, and Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson. He is a recipient of the Family Service Community Spotlight Award, the Black Achievers Award, a 2020 40 Under 40 Honoree, the Richard K. Wagner Inclusive Champion Award, and the Esperanz Dutchess County Hispanic Organization Community Service Award. In 2024, he marked a significant milestone with the opening of the Community Matters 2, Inc. Center in the heart of Poughkeepsie's Northside.

.