Olivia Dowler is a passionate advocate, public servant, and emerging leader committed to advancing equity, civic engagement, and community well-being. A proud first-generation college graduate, she earned her B.A. in History, Spanish, and Philosophy from West Virginia University in 2024, receiving the university’s highest honors, including the Order of Augusta and Mountaineer of Distinction.

While at WVU, Olivia held leadership roles in student government, where she founded the Sexual Assault Prevention Committee and served as Legislative Affairs Liaison. Her advocacy included advancing Title IX protections and lobbying for increased federal support for student mental health and college affordability. She also served as Spanish Chair for WVU’s Global Medical and Dental Brigades and as a board member for the Hope Hill Sobering Center.

In 2024, Olivia ran for the West Virginia House of Delegates in District 2, bringing forward a platform rooted in justice, opportunity, and youth-led leadership. Her campaign was built on years of grassroots involvement, from organizing civic engagement efforts in high school to designing a food access project selected for the Clinton Global Initiative University.

Outside of formal education and politics, Olivia has been a long-time volunteer with the West Virginia Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY), which she attended in 2018. Since then, she has served in multiple leadership roles—including Director of Recruitment and most recently as Director of Equity and Belonging, a role she introduced to expand inclusion within the statewide program.

Recognized as a Truman Scholar finalist and Fulbright U.S. Student Program alternate, Olivia brings together scholarly approach, lived experience, and a deep belief in public service as a force for good. Her work aligns closely with Empower and Link’s mission to foster empowerment through access, advocacy, and authentic community connection."