Meet Grauven Olivares
All About Me
Candidate for
New York State Committee -Female
Grauven Olivares is a devoted mother of three children, two in public-school and one at SUNY Old Westbury, a passionate community leader, and a tireless advocate for equitable opportunities in New York City.
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised here since the age of five, Grauven knows firsthand what it means to navigate the challenges of raising a family in a city of immense promise and persistent inequity. She and her children live in Section 8 housing, a lived experience that informs every decision she makes and every space she leads with heart and humility.
Driven by her belief that every child deserves a strong start, Grauven was appointed to the Community Education Council 1 (CEC1) in 2018 by Former Borough President Gail Brewer and the next two terms by now NYC Comptroller Mark Levine. Within the board she served in various roles, learning the ins and outs of resolutions, legislation and mobilizing a base of parents within school district 1. Currently, Grauven serves as President of CEC1 where she collaborates with parents, educators, and administrators to uplift public schools and ensure that every student in her district has access to supportive, high quality education. In this role, she works at the intersection of policy and community voice to create pathways for families to engage, be heard, and thrive in the NYC public school system.
Beyond these formal roles, Grauven is a connector and coalition-builder, partnering with local organizations across NYC and neighborhood networks to expand access to early childhood enrollment resources, multilingual family outreach, and community-driven programs aimed at strengthening neighborhoods across the Lower East Side. Families know her as someone who shows up — whether she’s helping parents navigate Pre-K and 3-K enrollment or advocating for more safe spaces for youth after school. Grauven led some of the efforts at Greenwich House.
Grauven was appointed to Community Board 3 by City Council Member Christopher Marte. She has been in this role since 2021. Currently, Grauven is the Vice President for the Health, Seniors, & Human Services / Youth, Education, & Human Right for also brings her leadership to Manhattan Community Board 3, actively serving on committees focused on youth, education, healthcare, older adult services and human rights, ensuring that community priorities are reflected in zoning, services, and local development.
At her core, Grauven’s work is rooted in love — for her children, for her community, and for a vision of New York where every family, regardless of background or zip code, can flourish. Her life’s journey — from immigrant child to civic leader and relentless advocate — inspires those around her to believe in the power of community, shared struggle, and collective hope.
