Our People: Los Angeles refinery’s Olga Chavez honored for community impact

Community News

Los Angeles, California, Foundation, people
A woman standing at an indoor community event.
Chavez attends the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce event celebrating women in the community, where she was recognized for her many years of service and impact across Southern California.

Key Points

  • Olga Chavez of Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery was honored by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce for her decades of community impact across Southern California.
  • Through her role in corporate social responsibility and hands-on volunteer efforts, Chavez has helped support local nonprofits and strengthen community connections throughout the region.
  • Known for her ability to bring people together, Chavez’s work continues to make a lasting difference, something recognized by both community partners and her colleagues.

Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery employee Olga Chavez is being recognized for something those who know her understand well, a decades-long commitment to community across Southern California.

Chavez, the site’s Advanced Senior Community Stakeholder & Community Relations Representative, was recently honored by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce with its Corporate Impact & Service Award during the organization’s “Women’s History Month Celebration” event.

Recognized alongside others for “making a difference in the community,” she was also featured in a short video that shared her story with attendees.

Born and raised in Cuba, Chavez moved to the United States as a young child with her family and became a U.S. citizen. Her journey is rooted in resilience and a deep sense of connection to others. That foundation has shaped the way she shows up in her work and in the community, where her energy and passion have helped bring people together for years.

“Olga has an incredible ability to connect with people and bring communities together,” said Elise Swanson, President and CEO of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce. “Her impact, along with the support of Marathon Petroleum, is helping create something lasting across Southern California.”

A large group of people posing for a photo at an event, with several holding flowers.
Chavez, along with fellow honorees, is recognized during the event honoring those who go above and beyond in their communities.

The Chamber highlighted Chavez for what it called “direct, meaningful support” to local nonprofits through Marathon Petroleum, along with her hands-on volunteer work across the region. From the Battleship Iowa Museum and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium to partners like the Rotary Club of Wilmington and the Long Beach Public Library, her work is both strategic and deeply personal.

“Olga leads with heart. She doesn’t just support the community, she’s part of it, and that’s what makes her impact so meaningful.”

“Community is everything to me,” Chavez said. “It’s about showing up, building relationships and making a difference where you can. I’m so grateful to be recognized in this way, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t also say how fortunate I am to do this work alongside an incredible team that shares that same passion.”

From organizing events to volunteering her time, Chavez continues to lead efforts that strengthen connections and create lasting impact, something those who work closely with her see every day.

“Olga leads with heart, and it shows in the relationships she’s built across the community,” said Tracey Tafoya, CSR & Community Relations Manager at Marathon Petroleum. “She doesn’t just support the community, she’s part of it, and that’s what makes her impact so meaningful.”