Unoki headshot

Emerson Fellow

Taylor Unoki

29th Class, 2022-2023

Growing up in Washington all her life, Taylor graduated from the University of Washington in 2021 with a Bachelors Degree in Laws, Society, and Justice. Last summer, she spent four months interning at International Justice Missions, doing research on poverty and human trafficking in the Asia Pacific Region. The internship, volunteering to tutor immigrants, and working at the same soup kitchen, all emphasized her passion for seeing the intersections and dimensions to poverty as a whole. Her hope is to learn how to better address the way housing, education, and systemic inequality exacerbate poverty.

Field placement: Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio

Lorain, Ohio

Taylor is working at Second Harvest Food Bank in Lorain, Ohio. She is formulating a Landscape Assessment that gathers data on demographics and social determinants such as healthcare, food deserts, and housing to identify gaps where Second Harvest can focus on for the upcoming year. Using this data, Taylor will produce visuals, policy recommendations, and a SWOT Analysis to push for long-term change and impact.

Policy placement: Food Research & Action Center

Washington, D.C.

Taylor Unoki is working with Food, Research, Action Center to gather state level data and information to identify barriers and recommendations for WIC individuals on a state basis. Through a combination of focus groups, stakeholder interviews, and research, Taylor is making factsheets and website resources to spread awareness on areas to strengthen accessibility and awareness of WIC.

Publications & Blog Posts