Creative Industry Recruiter, Marketer, And Super-Connector Heather Olson On The Power Of Networking And Advocacy
Heather and Sue Crolick
Who is the one person, living or dead, in your profession who you most admire?
Sue Crolick. As a young graphic designer, I worshipped her — she was the first female art director in MSP in the mid 1960s. I asked her to review my portfolio in the early 80s, when she had her own design firm. Then I volunteered for her nonprofit Creatives for Causes, and later Art Buddies. Today, I cherish her friendship. We are both AIGA Fellows, and she earned 50 Over 50. Late in her career, she continues to be driven and is looking for a project of value and importance to work on next.
What have you seen lately that’s been inspiring?
Number one would be Natural Beauty—I have been walking almost every day. I have found an endless selection of city and regional parks and neighborhoods to walk, bike, and maybe snowshoe or cross-country ski. Our metro area is fabulously abundant!
Number two would be Crafted Visions. I’m referring to an impressive walking tour of the wall murals in the Creative Enterprise Zone of St. Paul. These murals represent a variety of identities and ideals. I really appreciate seeing art honored in that way, outdoors in the built environment.
The third thing that’s been inspiring is Virtual Interaction, particularly in the area of racial equity and social justice. There’s so much positive intent to dismantle racism. Every week I attend person-to-person virtual events, within the creative community and beyond. A combination of self-education, conversation, and action propels the work forward. Follow me in social media for tips to participate.
What website other than the major social, search, and news sites, do you have bookmarked?
The six organizations I have bookmarked are: AIGA Minnesota, Art Buddies, North Hennepin Community College, The BrandLab, Goldstein Museum of Design, and The Coven. This list also ties in with my answers to the next two questions.
What have you been associated with that has been inspiring?
AIGA Minnesota Diversity and Inclusion Committee
AIGA Minnesota continues to flex, readjust, and expand to address changes in the world that affect the design profession. I’m active on a thriving Diversity & Inclusion Committee; we are offering scholarships to underrepresented creatives, and programming that uplifts all identities. The chapter just had its first virtual weekend Design Camp. Historically, a key feature of this conference has been meeting in person, Up North. We were still able to bring in renowned speakers and there were workshops, summits, and social events that made the pandemic version effective.
Art Buddies has nimbly adapted its in-person after-school program to a pen pal version, in which I participate. I was involved in the beginning when it was a one-day event at St. Joseph’s Shelter for Children. During the past 10 years, I’ve been an adult buddy at Whittier, Bancroft, and Riverview Westside elementary schools. I’ve also served on the Advisory and Governing Boards. I was one of multiple recipients of The Brightest Buddy award at their virtual gala on October 30.
Similar to the other organizations mentioned here, The Coven co-working community for women, non-binary, and trans people has worked hard to keep member safety front and center. I so admire the four founders who work with diligence and enthusiasm to uplift morale; provide clean, safely distanced spaces; and offer ongoing digital programming to keep us educated and connected.
What are you excited about now?
North Hennepin Community College — I am an Internship Producer for the Graphic Design program’s Xperience Project, which has been funded through a federal Perkins grant for six years. In our seventh year, we’re expanding the program to provide internships for Marketing students and recent grads. Annually, we place at least six to 12 interns. NHCC is the most diverse campus in the Minnesota State system. Students are typically a bit older, on average, and they’re very committed to building their careers. Internships provide that entrée to the professional world.
The mission of The BrandLab is to train high school and college students for paid internships and ultimately first career jobs. TBL is increasing the percentage of people of color in our advertising and marketing community. Plus they have expanded to Kansas City, with plans for other locations. I participate as a mentor and sponsor.
Goldstein Museum of Design is Minnesota’s only design museum. It’s located on the St Paul campus of the University of Minnesota in the College of Design. GMD, as a member of the American Alliance of Museums, is participating in the Facing Change initiative with the goal of making museum boards more inclusive. Serving on that Board, I believe we’re progressing steadily toward an equitable and just leadership group.
Heather Olson is a seasoned marketer, inclusive recruiter, and well-networked advocate. As Soladay Olson | Connections for Creatives, she connects employers with talent of all identities. Supports jobseekers in their search. And introduces entrepreneurs to prospective clients. Her career has crossed the thresholds of design firms, ad agencies, corporate in-house groups, and sole proprietorships. As an enthusiastic networker, she invites you to connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram.
