Neighbors Making a Difference: Olivia Solis Offers Safe Space, Mentorship for Sandy Area Youth at AntFarm

When Olivia Solis heard about the youth development specialist position at AntFarm three years ago, she hadn’t been seeking it out. But it would seem that AntFarm was looking for someone like her. 

A former manager from the nonprofit knew Solis and how she interacted so well with their grandson, and recommended Solis apply. Three years later, she’s worked her way up in the organization, taking on even more responsibility with the somewhat new Sandy YouthHub, with the org’s Nuevo Futuro program, and as the overall Senior, Youth and Family Services manager. 

Before coming to AntFarm, Solis attended Eastern Oregon University to obtain her bachelor’s degree in business. But a lot of the knowledge and experience she utilizes on a daily basis to help youth has come from learning on the job, as well as from growing up in Stockton, California, in circumstances that gave her perspective to draw from when mentoring youth. 

“In the first few months at AntFarm, I spent a lot of time learning the needs and dynamics of the organization and people,” Solis explained. “Over time I found a love for AntFarm and this community. Coming in and being able to be my authentic self with these kids, I felt like that helped me make more of a connection with them.”

Those connections are what make the job the most worthwhile for Solis — connections both with the kids she serves, and with her teammates. 

“It’s really that mentorship of it all,” Solis said. “With these youth, the way to support them is to just be you. And everyone here wants to help people, to connect with people.” 

While Solis wasn’t expecting the opportunity at AntFarm when it arose, she had been dreaming about working in a similar role for a long time. 

“As a kid, I imagined working either as a school bus driver or for the Boys and Girls Club,” she explained. And for years, she also saw herself working with boys more than girls, if only so she could mentor the boys on how to be respectful and treat others with kindness. “I didn’t know in which way, shape or form, but I wanted to be a mentor. It’s always been a subconscious thought. I think that’s why I was so successful here at AntFarm so quickly.”

In 2026, Solis said she looks forward to making even more “meaningful and intentional connections with members of this community,” while enhancing existing programs at AntFarm. 

“There are a lot of ways for me to grow right now,” she added. “I’m looking forward to that personal growth.”