Susan Taylor

Dr. Susan Taylor is at the forefront of scientific research, health education and clinical care where she has performed pioneering work establishing Skin of Color as a sub-specialty within Dermatology. She has wide-ranging scientific knowledge, and entrepreneurial and research experience, has led and managed organizations, and consulted for national and international pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies. She is a nationally recognized leader in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within dermatology and academic medicine more broadly.

The Sandra Lazarus Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, Dr. Taylor’s groundbreaking work has focused on advancing clinical knowledge and addressing gaps in research and education regarding skin of color populations. As Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Department of Dermatology, and as Vice President of the American Academy of Dermatology, she has led she has led education, policy and research initiatives that have invigorated a national dialogue about diversity, health disparities, and skin of color related issues.

As a pharmaceutical and consumer product industry consultant for Allergan, Beiersdorf, Boots Walgreens, Johnson & Johnson, and L’Oréal/Vichy, Dr. Taylor leveraged her deep clinical experience to advise them regarding consumer preferences, product development, marketing and sales strategy. Additionally, she has provided direction regarding design and execution of clinical research trials including those that satisfy post-marketing FDA commitments.

Dr. Taylor served as President and CEO of T2 Skincare from 2007 through 2010, were she created, launched and led an innovative business targeting the growing population of women of color, building revenues before successfully licensing brand operation to maximize growth in a direct-to-consumer platform. She secured distribution and managed relationships with major US retailers including Sephora, HSN, Macy’s, Dillard’s, JC Penney, and internationally. Dr. Taylor led a cross-functional team in all aspects of the business. A strategic communicator with extensive media experience, Dr. Taylor has also served as a medical contributor and expert for national television and radio programming such as the Today show and Good Morning America.

As a non-profit Board member, Dr. Taylor is applauded for her critical thinking, strategic vision, ability to test assumptions and diverse viewpoint. She has comprehensive knowledge of board governance and operations, having served on the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania (Diversity, Community Engagement, Proxy, and Nominating Committees), and the Board of the American Academy of Dermatology (Budget, Compensation, Regulatory Policy, and Executive Committees). Taylor was a member of the Board of Penn Medicine and of CannTech, PA, a national leader in cannabis-related research.