In Memoriam: Shannon Olive (1978–2025) | Home Forward

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In Memoriam: Shannon Olive (1978–2025)

We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Shannon Olive, a passionate advocate, dedicated community leader, and committed member of Home Forward’s Board of Commissioners. Shannon passed away on June 26, 2025.

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Shannon dedicated over two decades to community service, social justice, and empowering women affected by the criminal justice system. As Founder and President of WomenFirst Transition and Referral Center, she established an organization that provided support and resources to women in reentry and recovery, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity.

A relentless force for positive change, Shannon’s impact extended beyond programs and policies—she transformed lives. Shannon’s Legacy will endure in the institution she founded and the communities she strengthened. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and the many communities that mourn this loss.

Shannon Olive
Former Commissioner

Shannon Olive was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She is 45 years old with two boys 27 and 25 who also lives in Portland. After graduating from Concorde Career Institute with her Medical Assistant in 2004 it was incredibly challenging to find a job. Later that year, she was introduced to Oregon Action by Johnnie Gage during the George Bush vs John Kerry 2004 Presidential Election, and they were recruiting for their voter registration campaign.

Shannon never voted, but that year she discovered that she could make a difference and was glad to be a part of something different. Shannon was unstoppable, and now had joined the Social Justice Movement, fighting for our rights, addressing issues then and now that would make Oregon a better place for low-income communities of color.

Her first organizer position was with OPAL (Organizing People, Activating Leaders) and Environmental Justice Group in SE Portland in 2008. She organized their first Bus Riders Campaign and they informed over 2,000 Bus Riders about the fare increase and budgets cuts. After her work with OPAL, Shannon returned to Portland Community College to further her education with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. While attending school she became an employee working with ASPCC Student Government for two years as the Director of Legislative Affairs. In June 2015, Shannon received her Associate Degree, Shannon has been serving her community since 2004 part of the Social Justice Movement. Now she is the Founder/President for a new women’s organization for called WomenFirst Transition & Referral Center (WomenFirst) working to serve women in re-entry and recovery supporting them to rebuild their lives to succeed. WomenFirst has been serving women for 6 years as of March 17th, 2017.

Shannon is resilient when it comes to doing what it takes to supporting the women to become successful and productive today. In March of two years right after celebrating her 3rd Anniversary for WomenFirst, Shannon was one recognized by Oregon Women Health Network as nominee for the (Maya Angelou) “Phenomenal Woman 2020 Award” and “Shero Award” in 2024. Shannon will never stop. The fight is in her and she will continue to fight for change until it comes.

Statement of Interest:

As I have being serving in the last 7 years with women who are and have experienced challenges and barriers with housing, its important to me as a Community Leader to work together to dismantle the disparities and create solutions for all. Having a place to call home gives women hope and a sense of belonging. The goal is to also offer them with the necessary tools, education, and supportive community, so they are able to thrive, advocate for themselves, and empower others to do the same.