Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Oliver.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Renee Oliver knows the importance of lifting others as you rise, an ethos she learned from her aunt, the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. As President of the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation, she leads the organization’s mission to empower underserved communities and develop young women of color interested in government, public policy, and community organizing.
Under Renee’s leadership, the Foundation has raised thousands of dollars, secured a state grant, launched workforce development, housing, mental health, and civic engagement programs, and founded scholarship partnerships with Rutgers University–Newark and Lincoln University to connect students with public service internships.
Last year, Renee led the organization’s rebrand of the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation (formerly Civic Association) and spearheaded its second annual Legacy Brunch, which honored nine trailblazing women making an impact across New Jersey in business, politics, healthcare, education, and public service and brought in thousands of dollars to the organization.
This year, Renee continues to expand the Foundation’s partnerships to create meaningful opportunities for emerging leaders. In March, the Foundation partnered with the Columbia School of Social Work—Sheila Y. Oliver’s alma mater—to host a panel discussion exploring how a social work education can serve as a pathway to careers in government and public service. The event reflects Renee’s commitment to connecting young people with the institutions, mentors, and ideas that are shaping the next generation of civic leaders.
An innovative storyteller and brand builder, Renee is also a Corporate Communications Manager in the entertainment industry. Previously, as a publicist with Paramount/MTV Entertainment Group, she shaped the publicity strategy for shows such as the Emmy-Nominated MTV “Video Music Awards,” Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color of Care,” “VH1’s “Black Ink Crew,” among many others.
With vision, resilience, and compassion, Renee is inspiring a new generation of changemakers across New Jersey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In 2023, Renee experienced the sudden loss of her aunt and lifelong role model, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, the first woman of color elected to statewide office. In the wake of that loss, she transformed her grief into purposeful action. Three months later, she launched the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association (now Foundation), established to carry forward her aunt’s legacy of civic leadership.
In less than three years, Renee has grown the Foundation into a powerful force for social impact across New Jersey. Under her leadership, the organization has raised thousands in revenue. These funds support workforce development programs for underrepresented individuals, civic engagement initiatives, and scholarships to support students pursuing public service careers.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation’s programming and initiatives include:
Annual Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch honors trailblazing New Jersey women making an impact on their communities
Scholarship partnerships with Rutgers University and Lincoln University support internships and education for students pursuing public service.
Community events including panels of women elected officials to educate young people about civic engagement.
Efforts to preserve and educate the public about the legacy of Sheila Y. Oliver as a model for future changemakers.
Learn more at sheilaoliver.com or @sheilayoliverfoundation on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Building an organization from the ground up came with significant uncertainty, from securing funding and establishing partnerships to defining programs that create real impact. Renee embraced that challenge, leading the organization through its early stages of development, expanding its programming, and ultimately guiding its evolution into the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation. Her willingness to take that leap, personally and professionally, has resulted in a growing institution dedicated to leadership development, civic engagement, and community empowerment for young New Jerseyans and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sheilaoliver.com
- Instagram: sheilayoliverfoundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaYOliverFoundation
