Profiled in The Woolfer as Woolfer of the Week!

What do you do for work?  

I'm an attorney, author, recovery and sexual assault survivor mentor, and cohost of WPFW's "Inside Out" radio show in Washington, D.C.  I've enjoyed public speaking at events like L.A.’s Mixed Remixed Festival, the National March to End Rape Culture, the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, U.S. DOJ's Asian American Celebration and as a motivational speaker at corporate/nonprofit meetings.  I served as a Clinton Justice Department political appointee and on numerous charitable boards, and have fostered newborn babies awaiting adoption. My latest book, 50 After 50—Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, chronicles my authenticity journey and how I overcame trauma and midlife malaise by igniting my life with physical challenges, adventure travel, lifestyle changes and spiritual practices.
 

Tell us something surprising about yourself.

I got my motorcycle license and motorcycle at age 50, after taking a course at Harley-Davidson with a bunch of big burly guys (not all of whom passed the course) who looked with disdain at this 4'11" gal who initially could barely hold up a Harley.  But I rocked it!
 

Last Google search? 

SoFar Sounds DC.  Secret, intimate music shows in unique venues.  They have these concerts in major cities around the world.  Highly recommend.
 

Last great book you read? 

The Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.  A NYT bestselling book from several years ago that I rediscovered in the stack of books next to my bed.  I picked it up and couldn't put it down. A beautiful and compelling novel with a sympathetic and fiercely independent protagonist who spent her childhood in the foster care system and connects to the world through flowers and their meanings. 
 

Any vices? 

Sweets. Every day.


#1 goal in 2020? 

Becoming a better version of myself.
 

Biggest regret? 

Not getting sober earlier in life.
 

VISIT MARIA'S SITE

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Maria Olsen