Blogger - Vance Taylor

Principal, Catalyst Partners LLC
San Francisco, California

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, L. Vance Taylor was diagnosed as a child as having limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, and has managed the challenges of this disease his entire life.

At the time of his diagnosis, Vance’s doctors said he’d never graduate high school, attend college or live independently. However, Vance’s mother – a first generation immigrant from El Salvador who understands the strength of the human spirit – dismissed their pessimistic prognosis and insisted he prepare to live a life of success and achievement.

After completing his undergraduate work in communications at Brigham Young University, Vance moved to Washington where he worked as a congressional aide on Capitol Hill, advising two members of Congress regarding legislative issues such as immigration and homeland security. He eventually entered the private sector and went back to school to earn his master’s degree in homeland security from the University of Connecticut. Upon completion, Vance accepted a position as a principal at one of Washington’s top-ranked homeland security consulting firms, Catalyst Partners LLC, where he combines his specialized education with real-world experience and advanced professional training.

It was during his time working with Congress that Vance met, courted and married his beautiful wife Casey. Two years later, they celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Isabelle. During his second year of graduate school, Vance and Casey welcomed their second child, Samantha, into the world.

Today, in addition to his work at Catalyst Partners, Vance shares his message of inspiration with others as a motivational speaker and blogger. In his spare time, he enjoys strong volunteer relationships with the Boy Scouts of America and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He has served as an MDA Goodwill Ambassador, co-hosts the National Capital Region’s MDA Labor Day Telethon and received the 2007 Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award for outstanding leadership. He also is a member of the MDA National Task Force on Public Awareness.

Vance, who grew up attending MDA clinics and who continues to be seen at clinic, will be sharing his personal perspectives on the clinical conference through his blog entries.