Nilsa Olivero, Ph.D. 1996

Dr. Nilsa Olivero was born and raised in New York City, during the height of the migration of Puerto Ricans looking for opportunities in the United States. She has always appreciated the values instilled in her as a child regarding family and culture, which led to the decision to complete her doctoral studies with a non-traditional college such as Union Institute & University. This is where a new sense of discovery emerged within the context of a graduate investigation regarding Pre-Columbian indigenous civilization and contemporary Puerto Rican women compared to Taino Women.

Dr. Olivero has completed a post-graduate degree in infant and toddler administration and education at New York University; two master's degrees from Columbia University, Teachers College and University of Pittsburgh in guidance and counseling, specializing in elementary education and adolescence; and a Bachelors of Science degree from University of Pittsburgh, with a full scholarship in child development.

She has worked as a research associate with Rutgers University and has provided services to children and families through a clinical and guidance program in New York City for fifteen years. For ten years Dr. Olivero has worked for Boricua College, the only private Puerto Rican institution in New York City. Currently, she has been working with the master's degree program in human services. Dr. Olivero is also a member of several professional organizations, such as the National Oral History Association and the American Counseling Association. She has been involved with non profit organizations regarding issues concerning the Puerto Rican community for 10 years.