Olivia Salazar de Breaux | 2022 Diversity Scholarship Recipient

The NRPA Diversity Scholarship (up to 2) supports individuals from historically underrepresented groups in the parks and recreation community and demonstrates outstanding contributions serving diverse communities. Participants will meet with mentors, be recognized at the awards ceremony and attend various conference sessions and meetings. A primary focus of the program is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts.

Olivia Salazar de Breaux was one of two chosen across the nation and the only from Washington State to receive the Diversity Scholarship this year. She shares an immense passion and enthusiasm for the field of parks and recreation, making her a perfect first for this scholarship. Her role at the City of Olympia as an Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist for the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department is to be an ambassador of her shared values of diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging, to cultivate authentic connections among staff as well as with her community, to seek restorative practices and bridge building, and facilitate collective and collaborative growth opportunities. 

As a Mexican American, the daughter of immigrants, and someone who grew up in poverty, she understands the importance of having access to community spaces and programming that are free or low cost. She recognizes the impact of having her experience and cultural heritage reflected and acknowledged in the art she sees throughout the city. When she thinks of the generations behind her, she hopes that it's a legacy she can leave behind.