Olivia Rasmussen joined McKnight in November 2024 as a program and grants associate for Grants & Program Operations, the team that provides the grantmaking and program operations structure, resources, and expertise needed to advance overall program results. In this role, Olivia supports all aspects of the grantmaking process for Arts & Culture grantee partners. Olivia brings seven years of experience leading economic justice initiatives in the nonprofit sector to the role.
Most recently, Olivia delivered expert leadership of community development programs in her role as business development services senior manager at Mercy Corps, a large international humanitarian organization that increases access to capital, training, and assistance for disadvantaged entrepreneurs and justice-involved youth. Prior to that she served as an AmeriCorps VISTA program manager, working as an intermediary to develop capacity building projects and recruit, train, and support VISTA members in implementing poverty-alleviation projects. She also previously held leadership positions at AmeriCorps VISTA that focused on cohort leadership and supporting formerly incarcerated individuals in returning to their communities, respectively. Olivia has also been involved in community efforts to expand children’s access to books and support youth emergency preparedness, and has served as an after-school tutor for immigrant and refugee youth.
Born and raised in the Twin Cities, Olivia spent the last 12 years learning, working, and exploring beautiful Oregon. Having recently relocated back to Minnesota, Olivia is excited to rediscover her hometown and explore all this amazing state has to offer. As a former aerial circus artist, current nature enthusiast, and avid traveler, Olivia loves exciting adventures. She’s equally content curling up on the couch with her pup, Zuli, a good book, and some coffee.