Grace Olson
Student, Sewanee: The University of the South
Olson is an undergraduate at The University of the South in Sewanee pursuing dual bachelor’s degrees in environment & sustainability and politics with a minor in business. Her interests focus on creating practical, research-driven solutions to environmental challenges. During a semester of study in Copenhagen, she led market research on circular economy models, interviewing IKEA customers and pitching a digital secondhand marketplace to a former IKEA sustainability director. She also presented research on EU battery innovation and global market trends to a world-leading ferry operator environment, social, and governance (ESG) team.
On campus, Olson serves as co-editor of the Sustain Sewanee newsletter, authoring stories that highlight student-led sustainability initiatives. As environmental liaison for the Student Government Association, she successfully advocated for a new recycling program and oversaw a $175,000 student activity budget. She is also working on starting a Sierra Club chapter at Sewanee, aiming to engage students in local conservation efforts and climate advocacy.
From ecological field research to grassroots organizing, Olson takes a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to every project. She is passionate about bridging environmental science, policy, and community action to build systems that endure beyond the classroom.