Image Alternative Text: Depicted is a digital award "plaque" image in shades of dark blue and gold. Dr. Margarita Olivencia is pictured in the center of the image. The text at the top of the image reads, "Hispanic Leadership Association 2023 Achievement Award" and below the picture of Dr. Olivencia, "Honoring Dr. Margarita Olivencia in recognition of your excellence in education leadership and being an inspired leader serving the Latino community in New Jersey." The Hispanic Leadership Association logo, along with a 10th Anniversary Gala emblem, are positioned in the top corners of the image.
This interview was conducted by Charles A. Barnes II, JD (barnesc3@rowan.edu) for the Rowan University Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Barnes is a Ph.D. Candidate at the College of Education (COE) and serves as a Graduate Fellow for the Division of DEI.
In late October, I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Margie [Margarita] Olivencia, a passionate educator recently recognized with the prestigious Education Leadership Award from the Hispanic Leadership Association in New Jersey. This distinguished award pays tribute to leaders who have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to empowering students and uplifting their communities.
Dr. Olivencia received this honor for her outstanding commitment to the students and community of Camden, New Jersey, through her work leading the bilingual Upward Bound for English Language Learners (ELL) Program at Rowan University. As we connected via video call, her bright smile and vibrant energy shone through the screen. The bold artwork lining her office walls aptly reflected her lively personality.
From the outset, Dr. Olivencia exuded palpable positivity. Her voice brimmed with humility and gratitude as she described her shocked reaction to being selected for the award: "I was grateful because my efforts were finally being seen and my work acknowledged." After years spent advocating for English as a second language (ESL) students and pushing back against unjust systems, this acknowledgment left her feeling truly seen and validated. Delving deeper, Dr. Olivencia passionately yet gracefully recounted challenges she has faced, like comments rooted in cultural stereotypes. She emphasized the frustration of "that lack of understanding...that's a challenge." Yet despite obstacles, her dedication never falters: "I'm gonna fight for them...I'm gonna keep pushing."
Through every heartfelt word, Dr. Olivencia transmitted her fierce devotion to empowering students—the kind of passion that persists through barriers, drives change, and plants seeds of promise. Our poignant conversation culminated with her simple yet profound wisdom: "If you say you can't, then you won't." At first read, this quote may seem simplistic. However, it contained layers of significance that Dr. Olivencia uncovered throughout her long journey in education. Her quote speaks to the huge power that our self-beliefs and self-talk have in shaping what we can achieve. As Dr. Olivencia explained, "That self-efficacy is in there...if you believe that you can't, you won't." In other words, if we tell ourselves "I can't do this"—then we likely won't even attempt to try. We put up barriers against our own potential.
But the inverse is also true—if we steadfastly tell ourselves "I can do this"—then we are more driven to work towards that vision. As Dr. Olivencia attests, believing in yourself and consistently affirming your capabilities unlocks tenacity and passion that leads to purposeful change. This quote also connects deeply to the themes of empowerment and representation that Dr. Olivencia stands for. As an Afro–Latina woman blazing trails in her community, she stresses the importance of vocalizing the possibility of inspiring those following in her footsteps: "It's not enough to merely model success—you must boldly affirm that young minds can mirror that success with self-belief."
Dr. Olivencia's journey highlights the remarkable power of passion and perseverance. From earning her prestigious award to uplifting young minds, she models how to drive meaningful change. The key rests in what we tell our future selves—"If you say you can't, then you won't." She reminds us that "while obstacles arise, belief in oneself moves us toward destinies of greatness we might otherwise have left unfulfilled."
Though barriers arise, steadfast belief propels progress, unlocking once unimagined paths to greatness. We all have reservoirs of talent waiting to be tapped. Dr. Olivencia's story inspires the first step: decide you can believe you will, and destiny bows to your passion. By unveiling the incredible capabilities seeded within, we transform not only ourselves but entire communities.
From her prestigious award to her uplifting spirit, Dr. Olivencia set an inspiring tone. Her story spotlights the power of passion and perseverance to transform communities—if only we believe we can.
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