Steven Olender

Steven Olender serves as the Senior Advisor for Policy Innovation at Think of Us, focusing on child welfare transformation through policy analysis and strategic advocacy. This role includes co-developing nationally recognized standards for kin-specific foster home approval aimed at increasing the placement of children with relatives. Additionally, Steven is a Subject Matter Expert for the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network, where work involves supporting federal child welfare policies across various jurisdictions. Previous positions include Senior Policy Associate at the Children's Defense Fund, leading collaborative efforts for significant legislation impacting child welfare funding, and a City Leadership Fellow with the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. Steven's early career features roles in community relations and education coordination, emphasizing strategic communication and program development. Steven holds a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and a Bachelor's from New York University.