About Maria
Maria Leonard Olsen is a biracial woman whose parents were forbidden by law to marry in their home state of Maryland in the early 1960s. She is the mother of two, a commercial litigation attorney, journalist and author of nonfiction books and children's books. Her most popular book is 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life. She leads writing/empowerment retreats for women, hosts the “Becoming Your Best Version” podcast and was a co-host for years of the Inside Out radio show on WPFW-fm, 89.3, in Washington, D.C. Maria spoke at TEDx CUNY on “Turning Life’s Challenges into a Force for Good.” Her talks on becoming your best version involve overcoming common battles, including divorce, empty-nest syndrome, work/life balance, sexual assault, feeling less than, addictions, anxiety and depression. As a biracial speaker, she has a unique stage presence and ability to connect with wide audiences. She has spoken at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, the National March to End Rape Culture and numerous corporate and nonprofit events. Her writing has been published in The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, The Washingtonian, AARP’s The Ethel, and more. Her next two books will be about the unintended consequences of consumer DNA tests, tentatively titled DNA Test Surprises—What To Do Before and After You Open the Pandora’s Box of Consumer DNA Testing, and 60 After 60: Finding Serenity in Your 60s.
“Maria was a fantastic and engaging speaker! Her moving story of self-reflection, renewal, courage, and determination brought inspiration and hope to our organization. In sharing her knowledge and wisdom, Maria offered practical ideas on finding strength and renewal during challenging times. Takeaways about how to handle stress, remembering self-care, discovering joy, and finding gratitude in each day, despite the circumstances, truly resonated with the audience.”
— Bette Lawrence-Water, DuPage Association of Volunteer Administration Board, Program Co-Chair
Do you want to be inspired? Refresh your life with 50 after 50!
“Your book changed my life! Thank you for my new life.” —Angela Kennedy Acree
Order this book for anyone nearing or past 50 years old in your life, for yourself or for anyone who wants to be the best version of themselves that they can be. Make this chapter your best yet! Ranked by Amazon as #1 bestselling new release in Mid-Life Management! Available in hardcover, paperback and on Audible.
editorial reviews:
“When lawyer/journalist Olsen reached age 50, she decided to try 50 new things that were significant to her. As a woman in recovery, the author values the time she has left, and through her own story, urges readers to do the same via activities such as singing like no one’s listening, riding a horse, and performing random acts of kindness. She enumerates many more exercises under the headings of “spiritual endeavors,” “thrill seeking ventures,” “lifestyle changes,” and so forth, but the message is that we should value and embrace life to the fullest. VERDICT An inspiring read for those who are in or have passed through middle age." ― Library Journal
"Readers aged 50 and older, in particular, will be not only inspired by Olsen's experiences, but are given the tools for embarking on their own life-affirming journeys in a story that is both engrossing and inspirational; highly and especially recommended for anyone of older years who feels 'stuck' in their chosen path." -- Midwest Book Review
"Olsen's book has an intriguing concept, and her account of overcoming her personal struggles is admirable.... An earnest and personal work...." -- Kirkus Reviews
Maria is a regular contributor to AARP’s The Ethel, CrunchyTales and a Thought Leader for Kuel Life:
More Books
Not the cleaver family: How the Typical Modern American Family Has Changed
"Not The Cleaver Family" is based on hundreds of interviews with families across the country, and illustrates just how the normative paradigm of the American family has changed.
Healing for Hallie
"Healing for Hallie" is about a young girl learning the importance of sharing her feelings instead of keeping them bottled up within herself.
Mommy, Why's Your Skin So Brown?
"Mommy Why's Your Skin So Brown" is a mother's explanation to her bi-racial children about why her skin color is darker than theirs.
on 50 After 50:
“50 After 50 tops my list for 2018. I don't even consider it a self help book, more a memoir written with a dramatic, gripping flare. It inspired me and moved me to develop a more organized idea of how I envision the rest of my life unfolding. Maria's book is for men and women. You don't have to be 50 to read it. In fact, I wish I had read it before I turned 50. Quickly, it's become my blueprint, my roadmap to leading a more fulfilling, adventurous (without excessive risk taking) and mindful life. Thank you Maria Leonard Olsen! You're a gift that keeps on giving to all of us!”
Bill Funderburk / Los Angeles Attorney
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contact maria
I am available to speak at book fairs, conferences, schools and at other events. Don't hesitate to reach out!
Featured in the following periodicals, on the following shows and at the following conferences:
Invited to serve on the "Cultural Identification & Genetic Identity" panel and to lead the Summit’s addiction affinity group for the Untangling Our Roots Summit in Denver, co-hosted by the National Association of Adoptees & Parents and Right To Know.