Speaking Topics
Maria Leonard Olsen is a biracial attorney whose parents were forbidden by law to marry in their home state of Maryland in the 1960s. She practices law as a commercial litigator in the Washington, D.C. area. Maria is also an author, podcaster, journalist, TEDx speaker and mentor to women in recovery. Her latest book, 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, has helped thousands of women thrive in midlife. She has written books on self-care and the new American family. Her children’s books, Mommy Why’s Your Skin So Brown? and Healing for Hallie, have been widely used as teaching vehicles on diversity and the importance of processing feelings. On her podcast, “Becoming Your Best Version,” Maria amplifies the voices of inspiring women each week.
Maria graduated from Boston College and the University of Virginia School of Law, served as a political appointee for legislative affairs and policy development in the Clinton Justice Department, fostered newborn babies awaiting adoption, and has been on the boards of Children’s National Medical Center BOV, the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Washington and other nonprofits. She has written for The Washington Post, AARP, Parents Magazine, Authority Magazine and others, and joined Meer and The Midst as a contributing writer in 2023.
Maria has spoken at numerous schools and corporate and nonprofit events, including the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, the Mixed Remixed Festival, HerStory Circle and the National March to End Rape Culture. She spoke at TEDx CUNY on “Turning Life’s Challenges into a Force for Good.” She has traveled to 60 countries and has two children. Learn more at www.MariaLeonardOlsen.com.