Darcy’s story
Darcy Olsen didn’t set out to change the system—but when she saw it failing children, she couldn’t walk away.
Darcy Olsen is the Founder and CEO of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children.
A foster mom to ten and adoptive mom of four, Olsen saw the unimaginable—and it changed everything. She walked away from a CEO post to launch the Center with a foster baby in her arms and a mission to help children grow up safe and loved.
She has received the Adoption Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Angel in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. In Arizona, where the Center is headquartered, the Arizona Capitol Times has named Olsen Nonprofit Leader of the Year, Public Policy Leader of the Year, and Arizona’s Best Non-Profit Leader.
Darcy’s storytelling inspires people to open their homes and step into change. Today she advises lawmakers nationwide and keynotes major events—not only for her expertise, but because she makes people believe they can make a difference too.
Before founding the Center, Olsen reshaped American law—creating the nation’s first universal K–12 scholarship program and writing The Right to Try, which opened the door to lifesaving medicines for the terminally ill.
She holds degrees from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and New York University. She has testified and spoken widely—from the Halls of Congress to Harvard Law School.
At home, Darcy and her four children share life with Otter the rescue dog and Fifi the rescue cat—reminders that the best parts of life are often unplanned.
Invite Darcy to speak
Darcy regularly speaks at conferences, summits, and gatherings to shine a light on the child protection crisis—and what we can do to fix it. Her message moves people from awareness to action with real-world solutions and a heart for children. We’d love to learn more about your event and how Darcy can contribute.