Olivia’s journey to co-founding OneHE is a story of personal conviction meeting professional expertise. Her path was shaped by a growing frustration with the education system and a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact, inspired by her family’s legacy in education.
“I became increasingly frustrated with the control and the lack of holistic thinking within the education system. It felt like there was no real concern for students coming from the top down,” Olivia shares, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and determination. This dissatisfaction with the status quo became the catalyst for her mission to transform higher education support.
Olivia’s personal connection to education runs deeper than professional experience. Raised by lifelong educators, she had witnessed firsthand the dedication and impact that passionate teachers could have on their students’ lives. However, it wasn’t until a poignant moment at her mother’s funeral that Olivia fully grasped the profound influence of her parents’ work.
“I didn’t fully appreciate their commitment until they were gone,” she admits. The outpouring of gratitude from those who had been touched by her mother’s teaching was a powerful wake-up call for Olivia. “It made me question what I was doing with my own life. I wanted to create something meaningful.” This moment of reflection became the turning point that would lead her to co-found OneHE.
As Olivia began to shape the vision for OneHE, she was guided by a set of core values that she believed were essential for creating real change in education. “Trust is something that has to be earned,” she explains. “It’s about doing what you say you will do and ensuring that our organisation is not solely focused on financial gain. We need to give a voice to those we serve.”
The journey of developing OneHE wasn’t always smooth. Olivia recalls struggling with the organization’s initial branding, seeking something that felt authentic and community-driven. “I wanted our logo and website to reflect the warmth and inclusivity we were striving for, rather than the coldness of corporate design,” she recounts. This desire to connect more authentically with educators became a guiding principle as OneHE developed.
Olivia’s vision for OneHE goes beyond just providing resources or services. She sees it as a sanctuary for educators, a place where they can feel reinvigorated and motivated. “I want educators to know there’s a supportive community out there that values their work,” she states passionately. She envisions OneHE as a go-to resource where educators can not only find solutions to their challenges but also engage deeply with their profession and each other.
Looking to the future, Olivia hopes that OneHE becomes synonymous with continuous support and growth for educators. “I want it to be the obvious choice for anyone involved in education,” she declares. Her aspiration is for OneHE to drive meaningful change within the education sector, breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration among educators.
“By building strong connections and understanding the diverse needs of educators, we can reshape how support is provided,” she explains. “I want OneHE to be a catalyst for positive change, inspiring educators to question the status quo and embrace innovative approaches to teaching and learning.”
For Olivia, the journey of OneHE is one of discovery—both for herself and the educators it serves. She believes that by fostering connections, understanding needs, and listening to the community, OneHE can make a profound difference in the lives of educators and, ultimately, their students.
Reflecting on her own transformative journey, she adds, “It’s about learning and growing together. We’re not just here to teach; we’re here to inspire and support one another through every challenge we face.” This commitment to mutual growth and support encapsulates Olivia’s vision for OneHE and its role in shaping the future of education.