Evelyn Olson
Evelyn Olson is a policy professional specializing in the intersection of energy, environment, and regulatory markets, with a focus on low-carbon fuels and California’s evolving clean energy landscape. Based in Ventura, California, she currently works as a Carbon Policy Analyst at OPIS, a Dow Jones Company, where she tracks legislation, monitors compliance markets such as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and produces market intelligence that helps industry stakeholders navigate complex regulatory systems.
Her career spans progressive experience across local government and utility policy, including roles with SoCalGas and the City of Long Beach. At SoCalGas, she served in regulatory and environmental policy roles, coordinating cross-functional teams and engaging with state agencies such as the California Public Utilities Commission. Earlier in her career, she worked in government affairs analyzing legislative impacts on municipal operations, building a strong foundation in public policy, stakeholder engagement, and energy systems analysis. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Southern California and a B.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies from UCLA.
Alongside her technical expertise, Evelyn is a frequent contributor to energy policy discussions through webinars, panels, and industry conferences, where she shares insights on biofuels, decarbonization, and regulatory trends. She is also a mother and often notes that her career decisions are shaped by a commitment to balancing professional impact with family priorities. Her work is grounded in translating complex regulatory data into clear, actionable insights that support more effective and informed decision-making in the energy transition.
• USC Sol Price School of Public Policy- M.P.P.
• UCLA- B.A.
• Long Beach City College- A.A.
• Women's Energy Network
• Price Women and Allies
• Los Angeles Waterkeeper
• Latino Employees Organization of the City of Long Beach
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to this mysterious hand that's been guiding me throughout my journey, because I never really mapped or planned everything out. I accidentally enrolled in Geology 101 when I thought I was taking Geography 101, and I fell in love with it. The UCDC program happened because I just saw a flyer on campus and thought it looked interesting. I've always felt like there's been this mysterious hand guiding me in the right direction. I'm also incredibly proud of being a first-generation college graduate with degrees from two very highly respected universities, UCLA and USC. But beyond that, my most notable achievement is being a mama. My priorities completely changed when I had my daughter, and everything I do now is centered around being present for her. I took my current position with Opus because it's fully remote and allows me to be there for my two-year-old daughter. I know I took a step back in my career, but I made that sacrifice for her because I'm not going to progress at the expense of her experience with her parents.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received came from the deputy city manager when I worked at the city manager's office of Long Beach. He took me under his wing and mentored me, and he explained to me how important it was to have a master's degree. That was something I didn't really realize at the time. Because I'm the first in my family to go to a four-year university and the first to graduate with a master's, I really didn't have the guidance from my own family, so him mentoring me and sharing that advice really helped shape my career path. That mentorship was invaluable because I didn't understand how valuable mentors are until I had one.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women that you can have a successful career in a male-dominated field like oil and gas and energy, and still be a wife and mother. Being a woman in this field, especially in fuels which is heavily dominated by males, is rewarding in itself. You can be vocal about your priorities and what you need. I've learned to be more direct in the workplace since becoming a mother, and I now lead with being a mom. I even changed my LinkedIn profile to include 'comma mom' as part of my title because being a mom is seriously a full-time job. When a recruiter recently reached out to me, I told the hiring manager upfront that my kid comes first and I'm a mom first, career second. I wouldn't have been able to do that when I was younger, but now I look at jobs differently and I'm proud of myself for being able to voice what my needs are. It's okay to take a position that works for the season you're in, and it's important to be present for your family while still having a rewarding career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge—and opportunity—in my field right now is adjusting to a recent move and continuing to grow in my role while also learning how to balance a demanding career with motherhood and life with my 2-year-old daughter.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is being present for my two-year-old daughter. That's my most notable achievement, being a loving mom. I'm also incredibly proud of being a first-generation college graduate from two very prestigious universities, UCLA and USC, and I want to show my daughter that she can be and do anything that she works hard to achieve. I need to be constantly learning in my work, because if I'm not learning, I become disinterested quickly. That's why I love my current role where I'm constantly reading and writing. In my personal life, I love reading romance fiction novels by authors like Abby Jimenez and Annabelle Monaghan because it takes me out of what I'm doing during the day with policy and regulation. I also make sure to have spa time every month with massages, which is extremely important for me. I enjoy going on quiet walks without my phone to break up my day, and I love taking my daughter to museums, the zoo, or the park. We paint together at least once a week, and she loves it as much as I do. I prioritize my eight work hours so I can be present for her in the mornings and evenings, getting her ready, making her meals, and doing activities together, rather than sitting her in front of the TV while I work late.