Olivia Thomsen

Olivia Thomsen graduated from McGill University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Development and a minor in Education Studies. Her studies were grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, combining economics, political science, and development theory, while specializing in the development of sustainable systems and communities. 

Outside of her coursework, Olivia spent a semester abroad at University College London, participated in a field study on sustainable agriculture and food security in Guatemala, and worked as an academic coach for first-year students in McGill’s Teaching and Academic Programs department. She also served as a staff writer for Catalyst, the International Development Studies Students Association’s online magazine. There, she wrote articles on topics including climate change, human rights, and healthcare access. Toward the end of her studies, she began working as a research assistant with the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Engineering Lab (SASEL). 

Following graduation, Olivia continued her work with SASEL, contributing policy analyses on feed additive regulations for Canadian livestock, conducting literature reviews on the design of life cycle assessment models, and supporting research on the effectiveness of sustainability-focused communication strategies among food producers and consumers. After her time in academia, she joined Impact Hub Ottawa, an Ottawa-based nonprofit organization. In this role, she designs and delivers programs and partnerships that support social entrepreneurs, impact organizations, and community members driving social and environmental change. She focuses on building strong ecosystems, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the operational foundations that help mission-driven leaders grow and thrive. 

Outside of her professional work, Olivia remains active in her community, volunteering with a rural nonprofit organization dedicated to improving water quality and habitat health within the local watershed. She also volunteers with McGill’s Career Planning Service as a mentor for senior undergraduate students, supporting them as they transition into post-graduate life. 

In her free time, Olivia enjoys baking, watching soccer, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She loves to travel and learn about new communities and takes every opportunity to be a tourist in her own city. She also works part-time at a Lagree Pilates studio and enjoys taking classes and working alongside her Reform H+F team.