Bola Olaniyan

Bola Olaniyan is a dedicated leader and expert in experiential learning, career development, and nonprofit management. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Sadie Collective, Bola champions initiatives that empower underrepresented identities, especially Black women in economics and related fields. With a dynamic career spanning higher education and organizational leadership, Bola has made significant strides in bridging academia, career exploration, and diversity-focused initiatives.

Previously, Bola was the inaugural Program Director for Wisconsin in Washington at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a transformative 12-credit academic internship program in Washington, DC. As the inaugural Site Director for ASULocal Washington, DC, Bola ran the program aimed to bridge remote learning with in-person support to encourage students to have access to world-class education while staying close to home.

Bola graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earning a BA in English and French, and MS in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. Her time as a student at UW–Madison included working for the Wisconsin Union, International Student Services, and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement. Her experience also includes collaboration with national partners, advocacy for student and professional growth, and guiding institutions in creating impactful, inclusive educational experiences.