Desiree LaVecchia, Deputy Director

Desiree LaVecchia is the Deputy Director of the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis at The New School. She supports the institute's strategic planning, coordinates the overall flow between programs and staff, and manages internal and collaborative projects. She received an MA in International Affairs, with a focus on cities and urbanization from The New School. Desiree has held a variety of roles in academia, including Executive Assistant to the Dean of The New School for Social Research and Coordinator of The Observatory on Latin America. Beyond her professional work, she is deeply committed to community engagement, volunteering with organizations like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, various Brooklyn community gardens, and the former Florida Center for Survivors of Torture. Her expertise spans higher education and nonprofit leadership, with a special focus on urbanization and economic policy. Outside of work, Desiree is an amateur drummer, herbalist, soap maker, and a very proud mom.