Each year, the Corridor Business Journal shines a spotlight on young professionals who have made a meaningful impact on the region early in their careers. We are proud to introduce you to the 20th class of Forty Under 40 honorees, chosen by a committee of past honorees. Alexandra Olsen Editor | Corridor Business Journal Age: […]
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Alexandra Olsen
Editor | Corridor Business Journal
Age: 30
Family: Husband, Cody; daughter, Ophelia; dogs Walter and Terra
Residence: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Hometown: Santa Rosa, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Education: Columbia College Chicago — Bachelor's degree in Multimedia Journalism
Best advice you ever received? "No one is going to do it for you." Tacked on at the end of a more well-known saying, my father gave me this piece of advice as I prepared to start my first year of college: "You can do anything, but no one is going to do it for you." As simple as this phrase is, it has carried me through my career so far. It has inspired me to take on challenges and to take responsibility for my own success.
What do you consider your "big break" in your career, so far? It came in 2022 when, a few months after starting at the Corridor Business Journal as digital editor, John Lohman met with me and asked if I would like to apply for the CBJ editor position. The position had been open for some time and though I often daydreamed about throwing my hat in the ring, I would always talk myself out of it. John's question pushed me to realize that I didn't need to "wait my turn" and that, with time and support, I could become an effective leader.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? I would donate it to organizations that support arts education, specifically children's theatres and theatre education programs. Theatre has been a huge part of my life, and I benefited greatly from being involved in Davenport Junior Theatre as a child. A piece of my heart will always be on stage, I hope children everywhere can someday experience the magic of live theatre.
What are your passions outside of the workplace? My passions outside of work include yoga, reading, spending time outside with my family and traveling. My 3-year-old daughter, Ophelia, has already been on several international flights and cross-country road trips. I also love participating in community theatre.
