Tywonn “Mr. T” Taylor is a longtime youth advocate and community leader with more than 30 years of experience serving young people and families across the City of Erie. Known for his deep relationships, practical leadership, and hands-on approach, Mr. T has dedicated his career to creating safe, supportive pathways for youth to grow, lead, and succeed.

As the founder of Career & Dreams, Mr. T built a citywide youth mentorship and civic leadership program focused on academic support, workforce readiness, and community engagement. Under his leadership, Career & Dreams developed strong partnerships with schools, nonprofits, colleges, workforce agencies, and municipal departments to expand access to mentorship, internships, and career opportunities for Erie’s youth.

Mr. T has served in key family support and youth leadership roles at the Booker T. Washington Center, the JFK Center, the Erie School District, and the Boys & Girls Club of Erie. His work includes launching and directing programs that reduced behavioral incidents, increased youth participation, strengthened family engagement, and improved educational outcomes.

Now serving as Youth Program Director with Erie’s Black Wall Street, Mr. T leads the Career & Dreams Youth Division, connecting mentorship and leadership development directly to long-term economic opportunity. His work is grounded in trust, accountability, and a firm belief that when youth are supported consistently, entire communities are strengthened.

Mr. T’s community leadership has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Erie Black Wall Street Award for Excellence in Youth Services and the Erie County Bar Association Diversity & Inclusion Award.