CORAL SPRINGS, FL, August 05, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Patricia Oliver has been selected for inclusion 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. Oliver is a nationally recognized activist, advocate, producer, and co-founder of Change the Ref (CTR), an organization she established with her husband, Manuel Oliver, after their beloved son, Joaquin "Guac" Oliver, was murdered in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Inspired by Joaquin's life, creativity, and passion for justice, Change the Ref uses art, education, advocacy, and unconventional campaigns to confront America's gun violence crisis. The organization's name reflects Joaquin's love of basketball and represents a call to "change the referee"—challenging elected officials and institutions that fail to protect communities from preventable gun violence.

As a co-founder and executive leader, Ms. Oliver oversees Change the Ref's operations, partnerships, fundraising, programming, and national outreach. She has helped establish relationships with nonprofit organizations, artists, young activists, community leaders, corporations, and advocates throughout the country. Under her leadership, Change the Ref has launched more than 100 creative campaigns designed to educate the public, reach new audiences, encourage civic participation, and demand stronger gun safety laws.

One of the organization's earliest initiatives, **Walls of Demand**, transformed public spaces into powerful works of art carrying messages from young people affected by gun violence. Since then, Change the Ref has continued to create bold projects that make the consequences of gun violence impossible to ignore while inviting communities to become part of the solution.

Ms. Oliver also produces "GUAC: The One-Man Show," featuring Manuel Oliver in a deeply personal theatrical performance about Joaquin's life, the devastating consequences of gun violence, and their family's journey from grief to action. Presented in cities across the United States, the production creates an intimate space for reflection, honest conversation, and community engagement. Following performances, Ms. Oliver frequently facilitates discussions that help audiences process what they have experienced and consider how they can transform empathy into meaningful action.

Her advocacy is grounded in the belief that love and art can move people toward change. She is especially committed to supporting mothers and families who have experienced gun violence or other profound losses, helping them feel seen, heard, and empowered to share their stories. She also inspires young people to find their purpose, use their voices, and become active participants in their communities.

Ms. Oliver collaborates with organizations throughout the gun violence prevention movement and has become a sought-after speaker and facilitator. She is recognized for her ability to create meaningful conversations, connect with diverse audiences, and present the realities of gun violence with honesty, compassion, and urgency.

Before co-founding Change the Ref, Ms. Oliver served as a project development manager at Magna Group Inc. from 2011 to 2019. She specialized in carton board for the packaging industry and worked with major clients throughout Latin America. Her experience in business operations, project management, strategic planning, and international client relations provided a strong foundation for her leadership at Change the Ref.

Ms. Oliver earned a degree in public relations, with a focus on image management, from the Instituto Universitario de Public Relations in 1990. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts in management, specializing in hospitality, from Universidad Nueva Esparta in Caracas in 1994. Her background in communication, management, and relationship-building has supported her success in advocacy and nonprofit leadership.

Although Ms. Oliver and Change the Ref have received numerous honors for their advocacy and creative campaigns, she considers her greatest accomplishment to be keeping Joaquin's voice, values, and mission alive while inspiring others to take action.

"Joaquin is at the center of everything we do," Ms. Oliver said. "This work comes from the love we have for our son and our responsibility to protect other families. We use our voices, our art, and even our pain to demand action because gun violence is preventable. We all have a role in creating change."

Ms. Oliver continues to advocate for stronger gun safety laws, responsible firearm storage, regulation of assault weapons, and policies that protect people wherever they live, learn, work, worship, and gather. Her mission extends beyond preventing school shootings—it is about confronting gun violence in every community and preventing more families from experiencing the pain her family carries.

Through Change the Ref, Ms. Oliver continues to transform grief into purpose and build a legacy of love, accountability, action, and hope for future generations.

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. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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