2026 Annual Awards Ceremony

Olyvia is a housing systems leader, researcher, and practitioner dedicated to advancing equitable solutions to homelessness and housing instability. She serves as the Director of Homeless System Coordination at Miriam’s House in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she leads regional efforts to strengthen the homeless response system through coordinated entry, data and performance management, strategic planning, and cross-sector collaboration across the Central Virginia Continuum of Care. With experience spanning direct service, program leadership, systems coordination, and research, Olyvia has built her career at the intersection of policy and practice. Prior to her current role, she served as Director of Housing Services at the Lynchburg Community Action Group and began her professional journey as a VHA AmeriCorps VISTA with Miriam’s House, helping develop regional strategies to prevent and end homelessness. Olyvia also brings a strong research background, having contributed to housing affordability, housing needs, and policy studies through the Virginia Center for Housing Research. She is a Ph.D. Candidate in Public Administration and Public Affairs at Virginia Tech, where her research examines administrative burden, frontline implementation, and equity in housing and homelessness systems. She anticipates completing her doctorate later this year. A Lynchburg native, Olyvia is committed to strengthening housing systems and expanding opportunities for vulnerable communities across Virginia and beyond.