2026 Scholarship Recipient

Olivia Staib, ChiWIP's Fifth Annual Scholarship Recipient for the Advancement of Women+ in Law and/or STEM Graduate Studies

The Scholarship Committee is thrilled to announce Olivia Staib as this year’s recipient of the Chicago Women in IP Scholarship for the Advancement of Women+ in Law and/or STEM Graduate Studies. Olivia is a former aerospace engineer attending Chicago-Kent College of Law, where she is pursuing her JD with a focus on intellectual property law and is expected to graduate in May 2027.

She has a strong academic record and a deep commitment to service. Olivia’s passion for empowering women is evident through her ongoing role as a mentor with GenHERation, where she connects with young women to guide them through exploring STEM careers and educational paths. Additionally, she actively champions female representation by intentionally ensuring women have a seat at the table whenever she organizes professional, academic, or community panels. Her broader community dedication is demonstrated by her work with the Family Law Society to organize an educational event highlighting the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, as well as her direct efforts alongside an Illinois state representative to support humane animal legislation. The Committee was especially impressed by her vision to combine her advanced STEM background with her legal education to advocate for a more humane, innovative, and just society.