Polly Olsen at Rider University

Polly Anna Olsen was born in the mountains of Colorado. At a young age, she moved to Wisconsin, where she now lives. She was home schooled until her college years. Attending Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) where she received a Paralegal Degree and many certificates, finishing in May 2019. Recently, Olsen returned to the college scene to pursue a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication and a Minor in Studio Arts at the University of Wisconsin- Green Bay.

Starting in 2013, Polly’s world crumbled in a matter of 2 years resulting in her losing everything. Her dad lost his job, mom died from complications from pancreatic cancer treatments and in the middle of that her brother broke his neck becoming a quadriplegic, and she became homeless. In 2014, Olsen started to be discriminated against by NWTC for the Christian club that she had started. Polly was stopped for handing out homemade Jesus Loves You valentines for classmates and staff. She was told that she was a disruptive student and soliciting content that may be offensive, as well as having her leadership award nomination removed.

Later this led Olsen to reach out to Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, who filed a federal lawsuit, on her behalf against NWTC for violating student’s 1st amendment rights on campus. Through this ordeal, Polly was invited to speak at the White House for the Freedom of Speech Executive Order signing in March 2019. The Leadership Institute was very instrumental in making this opportunity happen. Polly has now started a small business, Life With Polly Anna .com to continue her advocacy for Freedom of Speech and the value of one voice, through: speaking, valentine themed products and skincare.

"Censored Kindness! How One Voice Can Make a Difference!"