AURORA, Colo. — Dr. Dianne Olvera, widely known as Dr. O, is an internationally experienced educator, author, and communication expert dedicated to helping people strengthen relationships through intentional language, self-awareness, and respect for individual differences.
With more than forty years of experience spanning U.S. diplomatic service, higher education, research, and educational therapy, Dr. Olvera offers a rare and impactful perspective on communication. Her work combines subtle diplomatic strategies with advanced academic training in Bilingual Special Education and Language, Reading, and Culture—providing practical tools that help individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered.
From Diplomacy to Education
Before entering academia, Dr. Olvera served as a U.S. diplomat in Argentina and Mexico, including her role as Vice Consul at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. Working in high-stakes intercultural environments shaped her understanding of what she calls the “language of power”—the unspoken ways people gather information, build trust, and influence outcomes.
These insights continue to inform her respectful, effective communication approach, which emphasizes curiosity, emotional intelligence, and intentional connection.
Academic Leadership and Research Focus
As a professor, Dr. Olvera has taught at institutions including the University of Arizona, along with several universities across California, Florida, and Massachusetts. Her academic and professional work centers on bilingual education, autism spectrum differences, nonverbal learning challenges, social-emotional development, and interpersonal communication.
Through both teaching and consulting, she equips educators, parents, and leaders with strategies to navigate complex communication dynamics in classrooms, workplaces, and families.
Author and Advocate for Intentional Communication
Dr. Olvera is the author of The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower and Ask, Don’t Tell: Six Easy Steps to Improve Communication, Self-Control, and Interpersonal Relationships. Her books demonstrate how small, intentional shifts in language—such as asking rather than directing, maintaining meaningful eye contact, and honoring diverse processing styles—can significantly enhance confidence, leadership, and human connection.
Her work has earned recognition from Influential Women, which highlights her advocacy and impact in empowering individuals through communication.
A Message That Resonates
Dr. Olvera regularly speaks to educators, parents, leaders, and organizations seeking practical strategies for today’s fast-paced, media-driven world. Her core message is both simple and powerful: self-awareness is the foundation of true self-esteem, and meaningful connection is built through communication—one interaction at a time.
Suggested Interview Topics
- The “language of power” and what diplomacy teaches us about everyday communication
- Why asking is more powerful than telling
- How subtle communication strategies influence confidence, leadership, and behavior
- Using eye contact to build self-awareness and inspire positive change
- How self-awareness strengthens self-esteem and leadership skills
About Influential Women
Influential Women is a platform dedicated to connecting women from all backgrounds to share perspectives, create content, and amplify voices that inspire change. Through storytelling, thought leadership, and creative expression, the organization empowers women to uplift themselves and others.
