ANGELS CAMP, CA, September 29, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Patrice A. Olson, JD, Maj, USAF (Ret.), has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Olson has established a distinguished and multifaceted career marked by service, leadership and a commitment to education and justice. Since 2021, Ms. Olson has taught second grade at Cherry Brook Primary School in Canton, Connecticut, where she is responsible for instructing students in all core subjects, including mathematics, social studies, science, reading and writing.

Prior to becoming a teacher, Ms. Olson served as a special education paraprofessional at the same school from 2019 to 2021. Her transition into education was inspired by her desire to contribute to her children's school community and address the lack of diversity among faculty members. Ms. Olson's approach centers on helping young learners develop into responsible adults and global citizens, emphasizing the importance of broadening their perspectives beyond their immediate environment.

Before entering the field of education, Ms. Olson built an extensive legal career. From 2018 to 2019, she worked as the Staff Attorney with the Department of Veterans Affairs for the State of Connecticut, providing legal support and advocacy for veterans. She also served as a student mediator at the University of Connecticut School of Law from 2016 to 2017, where she facilitated conflict resolution and honed her mediation skills.

Ms. Olson's legal expertise was shaped by over a decade of service in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps. From 2012 to 2015, she served as a litigation attorney, prosecuting cases and providing legal assistance on issues including divorce, estate planning and contract review. Earlier, as Air Staff Counsel in the Office of the Judge Advocate General from 2009 to 2012, she offered high-level legal guidance on policy and operational matters.

Prior to these roles, Ms. Olson held a series of leadership positions that deepened her expertise in labor and general law. Between 2007 and 2009, she was Chief of Labor Law at the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency, overseeing complex labor relations cases. She also served as Chief of Operations and General Law from 2006 to 2007 and as Chief of Claims, General Law and Adverse Actions between 2004 and 2006.

Ms. Olson began her military career in 1995 as an intelligence officer with responsibilities that included human resources functions such as performance evaluations and awards management. She quickly advanced through positions of increasing responsibility, serving as Executive Officer and later as Section Commander with oversight for services like dormitories, gyms and cafeterias. Ms. Olson's early leadership experiences were notable for the unique dynamic of supervising individuals significantly older than herself while maintaining discipline and organizational standards.

Ms. Olson's academic achievements have played a pivotal role in shaping her professional journey. She earned her Doctor of Law from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in Baltimore in 2004, supported by a scholarship that enabled her to attend law school while serving in the Air Force. In 2016, she furthered her expertise in advocacy and equity by completing a Master's Degree in Human Rights and Social Justice at the University of Connecticut School of Law in Hartford.

In addition to these degrees, Ms. Olson holds a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus, earned in 2002, and an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies from Kaplan College, completed in 2000. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Pre-law from Lamar University in 1994, graduating cum laude and laying the foundation for her distinguished career.

Beyond her academic background, Ms. Olson holds licenses to practice law from several prestigious jurisdictions. She has been admitted to the Connecticut Bar since 2018, the United States Supreme Court since 2013, and the District of Columbia Bar since 2009. She also holds inactive licenses for the Texas Bar, granted in 2013, and the Maryland Bar, granted in 2005.

Demonstrating her commitment to public service and community leadership, Ms. Olson is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Her dedication to her community is further reflected as she has sat on several boards; the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Canton, a position she has held from 2017-2019, and the Juvenile Review Board, for which she was the chair from 2018-2019. Additionally Ms. Olson volunteers her time as a boys' basketball coach at Canton Parks and Recreation.

Throughout her career, Ms. Olson has been recognized with numerous honors for her dedication and excellence. Her military service has been distinguished by awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, the Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Longevity Medal. In addition, her academic achievements have earned her a merit scholarship at Lamar University and the University of Maryland Francis Carey School of Law as well as placement on the Dean's List at both Lamar University, from 1990 to 1994, and Kaplan College.

Ms. Olson attributes much of her success to her family's emphasis on education and perseverance through adversity. Inspired by her mother's determination to earn a degree while raising two children and working full-time, and by both her father's and grandfather's experiences serving in the Air Force and Navy, respectively, during tumultuous times when racial tensions often came to the surface, and made things difficult, she has always sought to honor their legacy by excelling professionally and paving the way for others.

A proud legacy military family member herself, Ms. Olson is also deeply committed to setting an example for her daughter as both a successful professional woman of color and a devoted parent. She believes it is possible to cherish family while pursuing a fulfilling career—a message she strives to impart through both word and deed.

Born in Fort Walton Beach, Ms. Olson enjoys running and traveling outside her professional commitments. Looking ahead, she intends to continue in the education field while fostering greater diversity within her community and ensuring that every classroom remains welcoming for all students.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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