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Olivia Johnson

About Me

I am an award-winning director, producer, and media strategist transitioning my career from storytelling in media to driving impact in energy systems and sustainable business. My academic journey began with a degree in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara and is now continuing at the Yale School of the Environment, where I am a candidate for a Master of Environmental Management. My current focus is on reshaping energy systems and advancing innovative, low-carbon business practices to address climate challenges.

Over the years, I've collaborated with leading brands and networks, including projects with Comedy Central, Fox, NBC, Paramount+, The Redford Center, and Netflix. From producing content to managing strategic initiatives, my experience spans both the creative and operational realms, allowing me to tackle complex issues with precision and creativity. My latest role with Climate Change AI inspired my interest in renewable energy systems and supply chain management, prompting my return to academia. I’m particularly eager to explore a data center transition to renewable energy, working on innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact.

Education

Yale School of the Environment

August 2024 - May 2026

Candidate for Master of Environmental Management

At Yale School of the Environment, I am dedicated to advancing sustainable business and energy systems, with a particular focus on transforming data centers through innovative, low-carbon technologies.

University of California, Santa Barbara

October 2013 - June 2017

BA, Environmental Studies

At UC Santa Barbara, I earned a degree in Environmental Studies with distinction, immersing myself in the science and ethics of environmental protection while refining my communication skills through a minor in English.

Experience

National Association of State Energy Officials

Energy Economy Fellow

NASEO is the only national non-profit association for the governor-designated State Energy Directors and their offices from each of the 56 states and territories. Formed by the states in 1986, NASEO facilitates peer learning among state energy officials, serves as a resource for and about State Energy Offices, and advocates the interests of the State Energy Offices to Congress and federal agencies. Through Yale, I was awarded a Bekestein Fellowship and joined the energy economy team for the summer of 2025, where I authored a landscape assesment report on consumer protections risks in rooftop solar.

Climate Change AI

Administrative Assistant

Climate Change AI is a global non-profit that catalyzes impactful work at the intersection of climate change and machine learning. I served as the inaugural hire in a pivotal role. At CCAI, I supported operational management, including invoicing, travel coordination, account reconciliation, cost optimization, vendor procurement, event planning, website maintenance, and process improvement initiatives. I contributed to the administration of an annual research grant program, supporting a global network of universities and research institutions. I also supported the CCAI summer school, a prestigious ML training program that selected 40 students from a pool of over 800 applications worldwide.

Wildly

Producer & Media Strategist

Wildly is a tightly-knit creative studio and full-service production company based in the Pacific Northwest and working worldwide. I was a producer, and partnered with leading brands to deliver compelling visual content across web, social media, CTV, and broadcast platforms. I oversaw simultaneous projects from budget creation to final delivery. With the team, I produced a range of content, from short-form campaigns to long-form projects, including feature-length documentaries and series for Paramount+.

The Cool Down

Creative Strategist & Content Manager

The Cool Down is a social media and e-commerce hub aimed at making climate action easy and financially viable. I joined as media and marketing specialist tasked with producing original climate-focused content. I spearheaded the strategy, creation, and execution of impactful campaigns, supporting the organization through Series A fundraising and successful product launch.

Far Star Action Fund

Program Manager

Far Star Action Fund is a private philanthropic fund that supports programs in the areas of STEAM education, good governance, and climate advocacy seeking creative solutions to the world’s challenges. At Far Star, I directed program management for high-impact microgrant and advocacy campaigns tied to educational climate documentaries. Through these programs, I developed strategic community engagement efforts to enhance communication, foster collaboration, and strengthen global networks.

Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions

Coordinator

Paper Kite Productions is a Los Angeles based production company in an overall deal with Universal television. At Paper Kite, I supported creative development from script to set for projects on Comedy Central, Netflix, NBC, Amazon, Fox, and Peacock.

William Morris Endeavor

Executive Assistant

WME is the original talent agency, enabling generations of artists and creators to achieve success, impact culture, and shape a better world. During my time at WME, provided administrative and organizational support in a fast-paced television department, managing schedules, coordinating client communications, and assisting with script coverage and project submissions. I was hired out of the position by a WME client.

Projects

Caddisfly

I directed and edited a documentary following Clemson professor Dr. John Morse throughout a field study at Highlands Biological Field Station. For 30 years, Dr. Morse has used these gorgeous streams and rivers as an outdoor laboratory to educate future scientists and professionals about how aquatic insects can be used to keep water systems, and ultimately us, healthy. Now in his late 70s, John reflects on how his passion for teaching has influenced a generation of scientists and professionals, and grapples with what his legacy may look like once he leaves the classroom for good.

Stream on Waterbear

Jackson Wild Media Fellow

In 2023, I was selected as 1 of 16 fellows from over 300 applicants to participate in a rigorous 10-day workshop leading up to the Jackson Wild Summit. As part of a four-person team, I helped create a short documentary for the National Parks Service in just five days.

Meet the Fellows

Climate Film Festival

I serve as a founding team member and Programming Director for the Climate Film Festival, a cultural organization with an annual festival, year-round programming, and educational resources in New York City.

About the Festival

Skills