Viviana Vallejo is a sophomore at Northwestern University pursuing a degree in Political Science and Business Institutions. She’s developing a deeper understanding of how political institutions shape legal outcomes and social inequality through courses such as criminal justice, history of prisons, race and gender in the carceral state, political theory, and international relations. These courses have also strengthened her analytical approach to understanding legal systems and state power, especially in immigration.
Professionally, she works for the Northwestern Football Team as a Student Equipment Manager, where she supports inventory management and coordinates practice and game‑day setup. Through these responsibilities, she has strengthened her organizational and time‑management skills by efficiently managing multiple tasks in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment. Vallejo is also involved in ULALA, an organization that supports Latine‑identifying students pursuing careers in law and emphasizes cultural engagement and professional development. Through events, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, the organization fosters community, strengthens students’ connections to their heritage, and prepares them for future roles in the legal field.
On her free time, Vallejo enjoys going on runs and recently completed her first half marathon in the city of Chicago. She also enjoys spending time with friends and trying new food places around her city.
Vallejo is deeply committed to a future career in law, with a particular focus on immigration law. Drawing on her academic training as well as her cultural and personal experiences, she aims to advocate for immigrant communities and contribute to the development of equitable policies. Viviana’s long‑term goal is to advance meaningful change through legal advocacy that uplifts and protects those navigating the unfamiliar of the U.S. immigration system.