Meet Olivia. This determined self-advocate doesn’t let anything stop her from achieving her goals. As director of an advocacy program for high school students, she helps others learn leadership and advocacy skills. She has high hopes for herself including obtaining a driver’s license and possibly going to grad school. We’re so fortune to have her as a member of the Self-Determination Network.

What's your story? Tell us a little about yourself? 

 Olivia grew up in a tiny village called Brandon, but now lives in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Currently, she works at Fleet Farm’s Fuel Center. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Theology. Right now, she’s looking into grad school for family and marital counseling. She’s also the current director of the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum that is held every summer at Edgewood College in Madison, where they teach high school students with disabilities about leadership and self-advocacy skills.   

 How are you involved with self-determination?  

Olivia is a great self-advocate. “Although sometimes I do rely on close friends and family for assistance, but hey, everyone needs a little help every now and then,” she tells us.  She’s living independently in her own apartment and has a part-time job. She’s also working toward getting her driver's license.  

 Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination? 

  Oliva is part of the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) and she’s really excited that to have started a #WednesdayWisdom and other live chats on Facebook through the Wisconsin YLF page. This gave her the opportunity to talk to previous YLF staff and delegate members about their experience through the program and what they are up to these days. “It's been really hard to see each other and sometimes people just kind of get lost in life with what they are doing and don't really have time to meet up. It was nice to reconnect with them and hear about their memories of the program,” she says. About eight years ago, she informed the previous director that when the time was right that she would like to try being the new director. Olivia spent a lot of time talking with the previous director, and she spent two years being her assistant and learning everything that she could. She finally became director in 2016.

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?

Olivia would like to share two resources: The YLF Facebook page and the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities website. Both provide lots of great information.

She encourages people to never give up. “Everything that you want will come to you if you work hard,” she says. 

What are some of your hobbies? 

 In response to this question, Olivia says, “Oh, boy, this is a tough but fun question to answer.” She loves to read. She explains that it's a great escape from reality and to enter a world that can fill your head with so much imagination. Another good thing about reading is that you can learn about life, learn lessons and even read to learn something new.  She enjoys watching TV and movies. A few of her favorites are “Heartland,” “Boy Meets World,” and definitely the Fall Hallmark movies!  She also loves to run. She ran cross country and track all through middle, high school, and college—she enjoys the fact that it's your own pace and you can just run for fun!  She enjoys connecting with friends--even though the last few years, it's mostly been through different apps or phone calls.  

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