Olivia Rivers, Cohort 8

December 4, 2021
LEAP

Olivia Rivers joined the The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc in 2011 as a victim advocate. She developed quickly through mentorship and served as Shelter Manager, Advocacy & Education Director, and Deputy Director. The Board named her the CEO and she resumed her new role on January 1, 2021. She completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice and Forensic Anthropology from the University of Central Missouri and a M.S. in Criminology with an emphasis on Human Trafficking and Victimology. Olivia served as a White House intern assigned to Legislative Affairs, piquing her interest in public policy and legislative initiatives; skills she has been able to incorporate in her service to the Public Policy Committee for the Texas Council on Family Violence.

She serves as the Board President for the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault and as a member of the Harris County Adult Death Review Team, the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, and the Harris County Child Abuse Task Force.

She also volunteers her time with multiple young professional organizations including the Young Professionals Group of Crime Stoppers Houston, the Young Friends of ADVA, and Women of Wardrobe, supporting Dress for Success Houston. Her passion for serving others is coupled with her love of athletics, exercise, traveling, and reading. As she continues working in the movement to end gender-based violence she hopes to become an author and researcher and expand her influence globally.

Olivia believes in being a voice for survivors who have not yet found theirs, and a microphone to those who have. Her hope is that advocates use their collective power to curate an ecosystem that challenges thought, transforms lives, gives space to healing and builds global resiliency.