Taylor Nelson Archives - Page 2 of 19

Fueling the Future of Space in Texas: Ecosystem Space

August 15, 2025 No Comments

Growing Roots in the Austin Space Community

The August Ecosystem Space meetup felt like another step in my networking journey into the aerospace sector. Hosted at Capital Factory and organized by the Space Workforce Incubator for Texas (SWIFT) in collaboration with the Space Force Association, this monthly event continues to excel with its focus on industry connections and forward-thinking dialogue. It’s not your typical networking mixer either, there are no standardized panels or elevator pitches. Instead, it’s a space for real conversations and ideas that fuel innovation in Texas’ booming space ecosystem.

With every event, I’ve started to recognize more familiar faces and feel more plugged into a growing community of thinkers, doers, and dreamers. From technologists and entrepreneurs to students and institutional leaders, everyone brings something unique to the conversation. And as someone coming from a sustainability and communications background, I find this multidisciplinary approach both welcoming and essential to our future.

General, Professional, Texas

Back at F.I.E.S.T.A.: A Night of Startup Energy at Capital Factory

August 12, 2025 No Comments

After over a year or two away, I attended F.I.E.S.T.A. again and was reminded why it’s such a valuable part of Austin’s startup scene.

F.I.E.S.T.A. stands for Founders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Techies, and Austin Newcomers. It’s a monthly meetup designed to help early-stage founders connect with peers, potential investors, and other members of the entrepreneurial community. While it’s open to all, the focus is on providing resources, networking opportunities, and visibility for those building and growing startups.

The event is usually held on the third Tuesday of every month at Capital Factory, a well-known hub for Texas entrepreneurs. The format is simple: share your elevator pitch, highlight any wins or needs, and be open to helping others in the room.

General, Professional, Space, Texas

Where Space Meets Sustainability: Reflections from Ecosystem Space in Austin

July 11, 2025 No Comments

Last night I attended Ecosystem Space, a monthly happy hour hosted by the Space Workforce Incubator for Texas (SWIFT) and the Space Force Association, held at Capital Factory in downtown Austin. Part networking mixer, part brain trust, the event brought together technologists, government representatives, entrepreneurs, academics, and curious thinkers—each playing a role in shaping Texas’ place in the growing space industry.

At first glance, you might not expect a communications professional with a background in sustainability to show up at a space-sector event. But in reality, the overlap between space and sustainability is significant and growing.

Whether it’s using satellite data to monitor geographic data, designing closed-loop life support systems for long-term missions (i.e. water recycling and regenerative agriculture), or exploring how space design innovation can inform sustainable development here on Earth, the space sector is inherently about resourcefulness. It’s about doing more with less, often in environments where every ounce of energy and every drop of water must be carefully managed.

That’s why I was drawn to attend.

Selfie with a poster for an upcoming conference

General, Professional, Rotator, Texas

Taylor’s Professional Career Track

June 30, 2025 No Comments

I’ve had a very interesting roller-coaster of a career track, and wouldn’t want it any other way. I began my marketing career at a boutique automotive firm and then worked my way up to larger communications agencies. While I learned and my skills grew, I felt like there was still something missing. Passion. So I took a step back from a traditional path to find it. Through environmental education and adventures in sustainability, I found a career track I’m passionate about using my seasoned marketing skills.

The list below starts with my most recent job and goes back in sequence below:

General, Texas

Building Community, One Event at a Time: My Journey Hosting Social Mixers in Austin

June 24, 2025 No Comments

There’s something truly special about helping people find their people.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of creating space for connection, laughter, and belonging—especially for those who are new to Austin, looking to expand their social circles, or simply hoping to have a fun night out. Hosting social events has never just been about filling a venue—it’s about building community, and that’s something I’ve always taken to heart.

Where It All Began: Austin Social Scene

My event-hosting journey began several years ago in 2022 with Austin Social Scene, a Facebook Group with a massive following that brings people together through various social events and meetups across the city. Our events weren’t centered around networking or matchmaking—they were about providing opportunities for making real, in-person, human connections in a city that’s always growing and changing.

General, Nature, Texas

Celebrating Community and Canopies at the TreeFolks Summer Solstice Party

June 20, 2025 No Comments

There’s something magical about celebrating the Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year — with a community that cares deeply about the environment. That’s exactly what I experienced once again at the 7th Annual TreeFolks Summer Solstice Party, hosted by TreeFolks and TF Young Professionals in the heart of downtown Austin.

Held at Hold Out Brewing & Better Half Coffee & Cocktails, this year’s event felt like a true celebration of trees, togetherness, and the power of joyful activism. I’ve attended this event several years in a row now, and it’s become one of my favorite annual traditions. Beyond the games and music, what keeps me coming back is the sense of community — a reminder that environmentalism can (and should) be fun, welcoming, and rooted in celebration.