Red Wing Chamber partners with MBA student to advance local leadership development

David C. Olson Scholarship connects chambers with top MBA talent to make community impact

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (02/26/2025) – The Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce has been selected to host the David C. Olson Scholar Intern for 2025. Now in its ninth year, the scholarship was developed to honor the life and legacy of David C. Olson, who served as president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce for 23 years.

The scholarship program, a partnership between the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota State University, Mankato’s College of Business, and David Olson’s family and friends, aims to foster future business leaders by providing internships with Minnesota chambers of commerce focused on impactful community projects.

“The David C. Olson Scholarship represents our ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of business leaders in Minnesota,” said Jennifer Byers, Director of the Minnesota Chamber Foundation. “Mia Jax’s impressive academic background and dedication to community development make her an excellent choice for this year’s program.”

This year, Mia Jax was selected to receive the scholarship. Jax is completing her MBA after earning a bachelor’s degree in international relations with an emphasis in Asian Studies. Her project with the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce will focus on developing a new leadership program to strengthen the civic and community leadership skills of regional business leaders.

“We are excited to host Mia as the David C. Olson Scholar Intern,” said Michelle Larson, President and CEO of the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce. “Her work on this new leadership program will provide meaningful benefits to our business community and enhance local leadership development.”

The David C. Olson Graduate Scholarship is an investment in future business leaders and has provided support for a Minnesota resident enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with an interest in business, community, and public affairs leadership. In addition to the scholarship support, this award has included an internship with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, a local Minnesota Chamber, or the national Office of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Through this internship, the student has the opportunity to see first-hand the critical role that chambers have in bringing a business perspective to public policy and developing local and state economies.