Zoe Olson

Background

About Zoe Olson

I’m a community-focused researcher passionate about equity in the places we work, play, and pray. As a graduate student in Natural Resource Science and Management at the University of Minnesota, I focus on examining how outdoor spaces can truly serve all communities. My recent work includes evaluating Rec Connect, a recreation program offering free activities in neighborhood parks. I’m also part of a research team conducting a qualitative study that centers the voices and lived experiences of Black, African American, and African immigrant communities along Lake Superior, exploring the social and cultural barriers that shape outdoor access. As a Fulbright Scholar and participant in the Yale Conservation Scholars program, I’ve deepened my commitment to sustainability, cross-cultural learning, and systems change. More importantly, I’ve gained the skills to be an effective advocate and ally in equity-centered work. From city parks to rural farms, I care deeply about how people connect with land—and with each other. Let’s work together to build outdoor spaces where everyone feels welcome and represented!