Home » Home » Taya Britten, Outstanding UCF Alumna and Brevard Holy Trinity Graduate, is 2026 ’30 Under 30′ Honoree
Britten Plays key role in multi-million-dollar initiatives supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
At just 28 years old, Brevard County native Taya Britten has already built a career defined by leadership, service, and a deep commitment to advancing equity in higher education—achievements that have earned her a place among the University of Central Florida’s prestigious 2026 “30 Under 30” honorees.
At just 28 years old, Brevard County native Taya Britten has already built a career defined by leadership, service, and a deep commitment to advancing equity in higher education—achievements that have earned her a place among the University of Central Florida’s prestigious 2026 “30 Under 30” honorees.
A 2020 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Britten exemplifies the institution’s Young Alumni values of scholarship, boldness, trailblazing, generosity, and resilience.
Her recognition comes as part of a competitive program that celebrates outstanding Knights under 30 who demonstrate professional excellence, meaningful community involvement, and an enduring connection to UCF.
Before her collegiate and professional success, Britten built a strong academic and leadership foundation as a graduate of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Melbourne.
During her time there, she distinguished herself as an outstanding state champion in track, basketball, and volleyball, a dedicated student, and an active member of the school community, developing the work ethic, leadership skills, and service mindset that would later define her career.
Her experiences at Holy Trinity helped shape her early commitment to academic excellence and community engagement—traits that have remained central throughout her journey.
During her time at Trinity Episcopal Academy in Melbourne, Taya Britten distinguished herself as an outstanding state champion in track, basketball, and volleyball, a dedicated student, and an active member of the school community, developing the work ethic, leadership skills, and service mindset that would later define her career.
Playing Key Role in Multi-Million-Dollar Initiative
Britten currently serves as Assistant Director of the Advising Success Network at NASPA, where she plays a key role in a multi-million-dollar initiative supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The national project focuses on improving advising systems across colleges and universities, with a particular emphasis on expanding access and success for historically underrepresented student populations.
Her rise within the organization has been swift.
Beginning as an intern, Britten quickly distinguished herself through her attention to detail, enthusiasm, and ability to engage diverse audiences.
Within a few short years, she advanced into leadership, now overseeing major initiatives, managing grants, and mentoring emerging professionals.
Taya Britten currently serves as Assistant Director of the Advising Success Network at NASPA, where she plays a key role in a multi-million-dollar initiative supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Above, beginning as an intern, Britten quickly distinguished herself through her attention to detail, enthusiasm, and ability to engage diverse audiences.
Britten’s admiring colleagues describe her as “thoughtful, prepared, and relentlessly collaborative,” noting her ability to balance high-level project management with a genuine commitment to uplifting others.
Among her accomplishments are leading a national fellowship program that attracted more than 200 applicants from across the country and producing a widely recognized podcast series focused on equity and racial justice in higher education.
Beyond Britten’s professional work, Britten has remained deeply connected to her alma mater.
She continues to serve the UCF community through her involvement with Gamma Phi Beta, where she has held roles as a belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion advisor and philanthropy advisor.
She also contributes to Knight-Thon, supporting UCF’s Dance Marathon as an engaged alumna.
Her impact extends well beyond campus. In Jacksonville, Britten is an active volunteer with the Timucuan Parks Foundation, where she helps connect youth and senior citizens with outdoor recreation.
From trail maintenance to leading canoeing and kayaking excursions, she has become a certified guide and a driving force behind community programming.
Britten also supports initiatives like Girls on the Run, reflecting her longstanding passion for mentoring and empowering young women.
Working in a field increasingly shaped by shifting policies around diversity, equity, and inclusion, she has demonstrated resilience in navigating both professional and societal headwinds.
As a young Black woman in higher education leadership, she has continued to champion inclusive practices while helping lead national conversations on equity-focused advising.
She has also adapted to the evolving nature of the workplace, transitioning into a fully remote leadership role while fostering collaboration across teams and guiding organizational improvement efforts.
Taya Britten’s recognition as a “30 Under 30” honoree places her among a select group of young alumni shaping industries and communities across the country. As she continues to expand her influence in higher education and community leadership, Britten remains focused on a simple but powerful mission—creating opportunities for others while staying rooted in the values that helped guide her own success.
Alongside her demanding career, she is pursuing a project management certification—further evidence of her commitment to growth and excellence.
Britten’s recognition as a “30 Under 30” honoree places her among a select group of young alumni shaping industries and communities across the country.
For UCF, her story reflects the very essence of what it means to be a Knight: driven, service-oriented, and dedicated to making a lasting impact.
As she continues to expand her influence in higher education and community leadership, Britten remains focused on a simple but powerful mission—creating opportunities for others while staying rooted in the values that helped guide her own success.