Post by Stanford University Graduate School of Business

“At Stanford GSB, you’re encouraged to dip your toe in the water and try anything.” Jessica Olsen, MS ’26, comes from a scientific background. But she says solving society’s problems is less about “approaching a problem like a scientist,” and more about “listening to all the voices in the community.” Olsen learned that lesson at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, where she spent a decade directing programs to reduce emissions. While her instinct was to focus on industrial solutions, community input revealed investment in greenways and trees as a viable alternative. “Listening to the community changed my approach,” Olsen says. Now, Olsen is preparing to pivot from the public sector into climate justice leadership — and she sees Stanford GSB as the bridge. “I can have more autonomy and be more agile,” she says. “I could have a hand in a lot of different things that still, overall, achieve the justice work I want to do.” At Stanford GSB, Olsen is considering career paths she never anticipated. As an investor on the GSB Impact Fund’s Justice Deal Team, she’s learning investment strategies with guidance from professors and the Center for Social Innovation. “Venture capital is something I never considered as a career,” she says, “but it’s fascinating to explore interests and build skills in a safe environment.” Whatever path Olsen chooses, her community-first approach will stay the same. “It’s important to consider all solutions and perspectives to determine the best answer,” she says. “Business school is reinforcing this approach to solving problems.” https://brnw.ch/21x1O0K