Meet Lea Olson: Helping Others Take Center Stage

Camp Verde High School senior and University of Phoenix LEAD Lea Olson hopes to inspire fellow JAG students to follow their passions and believe in where their dreams can take them.

Each year, Arizona's top JAG student leaders are selected to serve as the University of Phoenix LEADS, representing more than 1,500 JAG students across the state. Throughout the year, they develop leadership skills, represent JAG at events, and prepare for the opportunity to attend the National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA) in Washington, D.C.

Lea Olson, a senior at Camp Verde High School, has learned that the path you choose doesn't have to look like everyone else's. Lea has a passion for theater and hopes to build a career in the industry and she's already gaining hands-on experience doing what she loves. Lea balances school with two part-time jobs in the performing arts; as a stagehand at the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center in Prescott and as a production assistant for the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. Her experiences reinforce her belief that students shouldn't give up on a dream simply because someone else considers it impractical.

"People should follow their passion even if it seems crazy."

That message is one Lea hopes to share as a 2026–27 University of Phoenix LEAD. To her, leadership provides opportunities to make new connections and to help other students discover confidence in themselves and the things they care about.

"Being a LEAD means I have a platform to share my story and inspire others to pursue their dreams even if others tell them they can't."

Theater is an important part of Lea's life both professionally and personally. One of her favorite things to do is attend plays and musicals with family and friends. She also loves animals and enjoys spending time at home with her parents and their two dogs.

As she begins her LEADS journey, Lea wants to strengthen her own leadership abilities while learning how to bring others along with her. It's an approach reflected in a quote that resonates with her: "When you get to where you're going, help the next one in line." Lea recognizes that other people have helped her get where she is today, and she wants to do the same for those coming behind her.

Through LEADS, Lea has the opportunity to turn that philosophy into action as she develops as a leader.

Help Lea Reach Washington, D.C.

Lea has set a personal goal to raise $2,500 to help fund her journey to the National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA) in Washington, D.C. At NSLA, she will join JAG student leaders from across the country for an experience focused on leadership development, career readiness, networking, and preparing for the opportunities ahead.

Your gift will help Lea continue developing as a leader while giving her the opportunity to represent Camp Verde High School and JAG Arizona on the national stage.

Support Lea's journey and help send her to NSLA in Washington, D.C. CLICK HERE TO DONATE