Olivia Smith

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Olivia Smith has lived in Jacksonville since she was an infant and has a deep love for Duval. She is Mama to an energetic, wildly bright boy and a super sassy, independent girl. Olivia works full time in fundraising in the nonprofit sector of Northeast Florida, and is deeply passionate about creating spaces in Jax that center community, belonging and equity. In addition to her full-time job, she channels that passion through her volunteer role on the Board of Directors for Haven Retreats and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Olivia is also currently in grad school at Jacksonville University, where she will complete her master’s degree in public policy in December of 2026. When she’s not tied down amongst those many roles and responsibilities, you can find her cheering obnoxiously for the Jacksonville Jaguars or Jumbo Shrimp or Florida Gators, enjoying a good book, looking for sharks teeth at the beach, spending time on the Jacksonville RiverWalk, enjoying a beer at a local brewery or sipping an oat milk chai latte at a coffee shop.
community

The Quiet Cost of Convenience

It's not a secret that in the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals, families, and companies had to pivot. Individuals and families had to...

All Aboard! A River Taxi Adventure with Kids on the St. Johns

With 11 different docks that they service along the North and South Bank of the St. Johns River, the St. Johns River Taxi is...

Gaza’s Babies Are Starving, and Mothers Around the World Are Watching in Grief

I've seen the pictures. I've read the captions and stories. I've sobbed over photos of children whose names I may never know but whose...
kids cuss

The Case for Letting Your Kids Cuss (From a Totally Decent Mom)

Alright, mamas, buckle in — because $%!t is about to get real. Cuss words, swear words, bad words, potty language, etc. No matter what you...
boredom

Let Them be Bored

I know it's only June, but I'm taking the liberty and inciting Mariah Carey's famous "iiiitttt'ssss tttiiimmmeeee" line to kick off summer. Because maybe,...

Fostering Teen Moms: They Need More than a Physically Safe Place to Live

As a former foster and current adoptive mom, and as someone who spent a piece of my career working in the child welfare system,...
teachers

Teachers: We’ll Tell You What They Want, What They Really, Really Want

First of all, let me just say that if you didn't read that headline in the voice of the renowned musical group the Spice...
overwhelm

My World’s on Fire… How ‘Bout Yours?

All jokes and Smashmouth lyrics aside, I'm sure most people can agree that it feels like our world is on fire most of the...
margaritas

Tequila, Salt, and Lime: Our Favorite Margaritas in Jax

As a mom living in the heat of Florida, probably eating far too many tacos (is that actually possible though?), and definitely always craving...
childcare

There Is a Childcare Crisis, And We Need to Talk About It!

For parents of young children, the options for childcare are becoming increasingly harder to come by. Many preschools have drastically changed their programs, fees,...
galentine's day

It’s (Almost) the Best Day of the Year

One of my all-time favorite days of the year is almost here: Galentine's Day! I'm sure some of you are reading this squealing in your...
blood donation

One Blood Donation Can Save Up to Three Peoples’ Lives

In the United States alone, someone is in need of blood every 2 seconds. The reason behind the need for blood could be a...