Her Story
About Noelle
Noelle Puvak is a legal professional currently working in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. In this capacity, she supports her team and division on various projects while coordinating with international competition agencies and legal bodies, contributing to a dynamic and engaging work environment. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, she gained experience as a legal assistant at a woman-owned intellectual property law firm based in Washington, D.C., where she managed patents and trademarks applications. Her college education in international relations and human rights equipped her with the expertise and self-efficacy to pursue opportunities at the United Nations and in the public sector. Noelle values discipline and courage in her professional life, drawing inspiration from a female supervisor who demonstrated the importance of feeling fear yet still completing tasks. She advises young women entering the legal field to persevere, trust in themselves, and put themselves out there despite external doubts or pressures.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Noelle
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It wasn't necessarily something that was said, but from one of my female supervisors previously. Someone who was an excellent leader. It was the way that I saw her presence in the workplace... to feel the fear and still get it done. To feel the fear, You're gonna feel fear in your career, you're gonna feel the self-doubt, but still Get it done. And still do it.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say persevere and really put yourself out there. Really trust in yourself that there will be people that will undermine you and underestimate you. But Ensure that you know in your heart you can do it, and you have all the traits and all everything that is within you. And In spite of the external doubt that comes your way, external pressures, You Can get it done. And you Are deserving of so much. And I would say, Put yourself out there, and trust in yourself.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say some of the biggest challenges are knowing where to look, and accessing opportunities. So, I feel At this point, there are a lot of silos in terms of getting opportunities both in the public and the private sector, because of lengthy application processes, also often needing to know people internally. And some barriers for people to enter the field, I would say. I felt those barriers as well when I was looking, because it would be lots and lots of applications and a lot of grit. That eventually got me to those roles, but I think the biggest barrier is unfortunately still Access to opportunities.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say Discipline. Because it keeps me accountable to My team, professionally, but then also my personal life. Being accountable to myself, my goals, my standards, and my commitments. I would also say having a general sense of courage In putting yourself out there. That's Been what has really gotten me the opportunities that I've been fortunate enough to have. To feel nervous, and to still doubt myself, but still have the courage to put myself out there.
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