2023 Erin Defossé Inspirational Leadership Award Winner Announced

Established in 2019, the Erin Defosse Inspirational Leadership Award recognizes a member of the Magellan International School community whose efforts to support and promote the school are exemplary. The award is named in recognition of the school’s founder, Erin Defosse, whose insight, leadership, service ethic and commitment gave him the strength and courage to create Magellan International School and grow it into a strong, vibrant international, bilingual community. Congratulations to this year's winner, Teri Taylor!

Teri Taylor has been active in the Magellan Community since 2012 and is parent to Zoe (grade 8) and Shelby (grade 7), both who started at Magellan as preschool students. As a parent and active volunteer, Teri has demonstrated great commitment and leadership in supporting the ongoing growth and development of the school. Teri currently serves as Secretary on Magellan’s Board of Directors and is co-chair of Magellan’s Forever Home Committee, leading the charge for a permanent campus for Magellan. Her many Magellan roles have included room parent, Noche de Gala chair, and MISPA volunteer. She also helped modernize the Magellan website and served on the Advancement and Marketing committee. 

As co-chair of the Forever Home Committee since March 2021, Teri has worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. In her weekly meetings with project managers, architects, and builders, she always prioritizes the needs of students and faculty. Teri is laser focused on creating the best possible educational experience for all community members. Her quick smile, positive attitude, keen insights and knowledge, and can-do attitude have made this challenging project a highly rewarding experience for everyone involved. 

In her “spare time”, Teri has also been a successful career woman. Her work has focused on vehicle design and development in the automotive industry, as well as product and service marketing in healthcare and residential construction industries where she has served national and world wide firms such as Nissan North America, Acura and KB Home. On the personal side, Teri enjoys horseback riding and exploring the world with her husband Chris and their daughters Shelby and Zoe. 

We are thankful and fortunate to have Teri’s expertise and leadership focused on Magellan during this exciting time in the life of our cherished school. On behalf of Magellan students, parents, faculty, and staff, we extend a heartfelt congratulations to Teri Taylor who embodies the dedication, selflessness, and pioneering spirit we honor with the Erin Defosse Leadership Award.