Olivia Carvajal will be Clinical Legal Program Specialist at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law starting November 1, 2022. She was recently admitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Earlier this year she was an Attorney Advisor for the U.S. Small Business Administration working on providing Economic Injury Disaster Loans. She was sworn into the DC Court of Appeals as an attorney in 2021.
From 2019 to 2020 Olivia was the Executive Assistant to the President at the Women’s Congressional Policy Institute. Prior to working at WCPI, Olivia served as the special assistant to the Dean at American University’s School of Public Affairs. In 2018, she worked directly with the Baltimore City Health Commissioner and Senior Medical Advisor as a summer health equity fellow on opioid use prevention. In 2016, Olivia interned in Congressman Ruben Gallego’s Washington, DC office and his Phoenix district office, working on immigration and veterans’ affairs.
Olivia is a co-chair of the Hispanic Bar Association of DC’s Legislative and Policy Subcommittee and Black Lives Matter Task Force as of earlier this year. Olivia earned her JD degree from Arizona Summit Law School and her BS degree in public management and policy, with a concentration in criminal justice, from the University of Arizona. In her free time, she likes to explore the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.
When did you join the WBA?
May 2022
Why did you join the Women’s Bar Association?
I joined to make genuine friends in Washington, DC. I’m originally from Arizona and moved here without knowing anyone.
What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
The benefit of being surrounded and supported by genuine people who have similar experiences and interests is a huge benefit I get from the WBA. I think others should join if they want to feel like an important part of something bigger.
Do you have a mentor/hero?
My hero is my grandma Rosa who moved to the US from Mexico as a single mom in search for a better life. If my grandma had not been brave and made the decision to start a new life in a new country, then I would not have been as brave to move from Arizona to DC in search for better career opportunities. Everyday I am grateful for the many opportunities I can achieve thanks to my ancestors.
What words of advice do you have for women new to the profession?
Washington, DC is a busy place but there’s something for everyone if you look around.
What is the best advice you have received?
Find what makes you happy at work and outside of work.