Olivea Boyer follows tradition

“I’m not really the center of this story,” claims Olivea Boyer, 26. “This is about the power of connections and the importance of compassion.”

 

Olivea, a 2017 graduate of Waseca High School, is now an associate attorney with Hennepin County Adult Representation Services, an agency which, according to its website, provides independent legal representation, advocacy and support to clients experiencing poverty in civil matters where they are entitled to an attorney.

 

Her education as a lawyer began with a degree in social work earned at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire followed by three years in a law degree program at the University of St. Thomas in the Twin Cities.

 

As is the case with all newly trained lawyers, Olivea began her official career by taking what is known as the “Oath of Attorney” to become eligible for membership in the Minnesota State Bar Association. Unlike her classmates, most of whom took part in a mass ceremony at the state capitol building, Olivea was sworn in during a fairly intimate gathering in the Waseca County District Courtroom by Olivea’s professional acquaintance, The Honorable Judge Renee Worke.

 

In speaking with Olivea, it becomes clear public service is in her blood. Mother Audra Nissen Boyer started her career in county social services, then served as director of community education in Waseca from 2006 to 2012 and is currently serving in that same role for Mankato Area Public Schools. Her father Tim Boyer started his career with the Waseca County Sheriff's Office and currently works as the Director of 911 Services for the Minnesota State Patrol. Her maternal grandfather is Leo Nissen, retired after 22 years with the Waseca County Sheriff’s office; Sabrina, his wife of 25 years, spent her career in social work specializing in child protection. Her paternal grandfather was Tony Boyer, long-time principal at New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva secondary school.

 

Olivea’s interest in studying law began when she was in high school. To test that interest, she mentions having joined the school law team, coached by social studies teacher John Hanson.

She remembers that one day Hanson invited her to spend a class hour on a phone call with his sister Laura Hanson, a lawyer with decades of experience.

 

Olivea recalls being grateful for the generous, spontaneous nature of the gesture. Along with that, the exchange with Laura Hanson reassured her a career in law could also be one of public service.

 

“I’ve always been interested in the power of advocacy,” she elaborates, “particularly for supporting people who are vulnerable or marginalized.” The conversation with Laura Hanson, she says, increased her understanding of what it means to be an advocate. “It amplified all I had learned from my parents and family as civil servants and broadened my understanding of what public service can look like.”

 

“The story” underway in this piece has another coming of age element, one which began in 1976, according to Leo Nissen. At that time, he became acquainted with then high- schooler Renee Worke, who had gotten a summer job with the sheriff’s department.

 

Audra Boyer summarizes a statement Worke made during this spring’s ceremony: “Leo was the first person to see her potential and encourage her to try more and be more. At the swearing in, she eloquently shared how impactful that support was in her choices and trajectory.”

 

The connection between Leo and Worke continued as she completed schooling, became a lawyer, and was appointed judge in the Waseca County District Court. At that time she met Leo’s wife Sabrina, who interacted with the courts frequently due to her role in child protection. A strong friendship formed among the three of them and continued after Worke was named to the state court of appeals and moved to the Twin Cities area.

 

The two “stories” connect after Olivea entered law school and Sabrina arranged for her and Worke to meet. Olivea summarizes the friendship and guidance Worke offered with rich gratitude. “We would meet every once in a while, sometimes at her office, sometimes for coffee,” Olivea recalls.

 

“It was very affirming; she let me know about some of the projects and special circumstances that might be going on, and she introduced me to people in the law field. Judge Worke has been my fiercest advocate and opened doors that I otherwise would not have had the privilege of entering."

 

“It’s been very affirming.”

 

Perhaps the biggest lesson Olivea says she learned from her conversations and interactions with Worke was, “Stay continuously passionate. Regardless of the outcome, the work is important.”

 

Olivea states she is grateful for the connections and compassion she has encountered as she begins her career as a lawyer. She says she is grateful not only for her own sake, but also for the enthusiasm and dedication they have engendered in her to develop her abilities as an advocate for others.

 

“I want the work I am doing to be a way to thank and honor those who have helped me,” she observes. “After all, their service and their dedication helped me get to where I am, and will be part of everything I do in the future.”