On Tuesday, Jan. 18, Martha Miller made history as the first person to be named the Outstanding Woman of the Year and the Citizen of the Year in the same year.
Miller, known to everyone as “Moppy,” was nominated for both awards because of her exceptional work in the community.
“She is a cheerleader for Taylor and all things Taylor,” said Ryan Stiba, Rotary Club president elect. “A person of inspiration. A person those around her cannot say ‘no’ to when she’s on the move and making a difference.”
Miller was born and raised in Taylor, graduated from Taylor High School and attended Texas A&M to study education. She later received her master’s degree in counseling from Texas State University. This was the first step in her now 35-year journey in education, including time as a teacher in the classroom and a counselor at Taylor ISD and other school districts in Texas.
“[Miller] is a perpetual source of energy, constantly moving things forward and always insuring she does her best to improve her community, support her family, friends and former students,” said Charlotte Albers, Taylor Area Businesswomen president.
Miller volunteers in local election campaigns, Blackland Prairie Days and the St. Mary’s School/Church picnic. She is a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, has co-chaired the St. Mary’s Catholic Church fundraising, as well as been executive director of the Taylor Educational Enrichment (TEE) Foundation. She directs the actions of the TEE Foundation in raising money for teachers in the Taylor ISD through fundraising and other solicitations.
“We all know the outstanding work she does as executive director of the TEE Foundation, having helped raised and invested back to Taylor’s teachers and students hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Stiba said. “I would be remiss if I didn’t mention just how much fun the Food Dude’s fundraiser is in the process.”
Miller has helped raise and invested back into Taylor ISD more than $340,000 in six years.
Miller also made history as the first female on the Taylor City Council.
“She is a woman of her word,” said Leslie Hill, former winner of both awards in separate years. “Moppy is an honest woman of courage, compassion and sincere love.”
She served on the council from 1991 to 1993 and was instrumental in electing Taylor’s first African American mayor, Don Hill.
“She exemplifies as well as anyone in our community what a Taylor citizen and community leader should be,” Stiba said.
