Xavier Puma

Background

About Xavier Puma

I’m a senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign earning a B.S. in Neuroscience, with a growing focus on law, policy, and public advocacy. My academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding human behavior, community needs, and the systems that impact both. I bring over five years of experience in legal support roles, including work as an administrative assistant at The Law Offices of Stephen Carter and as a file clerk at Slavin and Slavin Law Firm. These positions gave me early exposure to the legal field and equipped me with document preparation, legal communication, case research, and administrative coordination skills. I am currently an assistant manager at Angie & Vane’s Jewelry, a Latina-owned small business. There, I oversee operational tasks, train staff, engage directly with customers, and support brand growth through creative marketing and design. This role has sharpened my leadership, problem-solving, and communication abilities—skills I intend to carry into the legal profession. Bilingual in English and Spanish, I’m especially passionate about expanding access to legal and health-related resources for underrepresented communities. My long-term goal is to pursue a legal career centered around public interest, health justice, and civil rights advocacy.