When Elexiana Oliva took the stage as a graduation speaker at Muscatine Community College (MCC) Commencement ceremony, her voice was steady—but the emotion behind it was unmistakable. She had something to say, and people were listening.
Graduating with an Associate in Arts in Criminal Justice represented far more than a personal academic milestone. Oliva represented a vision for the future of law enforcement—one grounded in compassion, awareness, and strength. As a woman of color, she understands how her presence in a police uniform can challenge assumptions and she’s stepping into this path with confidence.
“I know the world right now. Police officers aren’t always seen as the best people, but I want to change that,” she said. “I’m female. I’m a minority. I think people will look at me and say, ‘She’s not just representing law enforcement—she’s representing us.’”
Oliva’s time at MCC was short—but only because she was ahead of the game. Thanks to her participation in the Criminal Justice Career Academy in high school, she entered with a running start and completed her degree in just one year.
In that time, Oliva didn’t just study criminal justice—she helped shape her peers. As the president of the Student Senate, she led initiatives and represented the student voice with pride. As a Student Ambassador, Oliva spoke passionately to local middle and high schoolers about their futures.
In her classes—like Juvenile Delinquency and Criminology—she dove deep into understanding the "why" behind criminal behavior, always with an eye toward helping, not just punishing. Oliva didn’t just learn policy—she lived her values. She donated blood. She served her church. She volunteered. She built bridges between MCC and the greater Muscatine community.
And when MCC staff called to ask if she’d speak at graduation, Oliva’s answer was instant and heartfelt: “Yes. Of course.”
“I wanted to leave a mark,” Oliva said. “I wanted people to remember me for how I made them feel. I wanted to show that it’s okay to care.”
She’s headed next toward her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice—and eventually, she hopes, the police academy. She’s not in it for recognition. She’s in it because she cares—about the people, the work, and the difference she knows she can make.
Oliva is ready for what’s next. And wherever that path leads, one thing is clear: she will keep showing up, serving others, and setting an example—just like she did at MCC.
