top of page
Sherrod_edited.jpg

Desiree Despertt

Scholars Program Advisor

Desiree Despertt serves as a Scholar Advisor at New Futures, bringing compassion, energy, and a lifelong passion for mentoring to every student she supports. Known for her deep listening, visionary mindset, and ability to help young people recognize their strengths, Desiree is committed to guiding Scholars toward confidence and success.

From a young age, Desiree naturally gravitated toward supporting others. As she grew, she showcased an intentional gift for leadership, encouragement, and understanding people as they are. Her passion deepened when she earned her Master of Education in School Counseling from Frostburg State University, where she discovered how transformative mentorship could be for students of all ages.

Desiree’s early career was filled with opportunities to mentor pre-K through 12th-grade students through internships and volunteer roles. She eventually expanded her impact into higher education, joining University of Maryland Global Campus, where her insight and student-centered approach helped thousands of learners persist through their academic journeys.

At New Futures, Desiree brings this breadth of experience to her work with Scholars. She empowers relationships, helps young adults activate their strengths, and offers the practical guidance needed to navigate school, career pathways, and personal growth. She also proudly serves as an adjunct professor, teaching courses in career development, degree planning, and proactive coaching.

Her passion for supporting others extends far beyond the classroom. In her free time, Desiree is a dedicated advocate for first-time mothers, creating welcoming, healthy environments where parents can connect, learn, and receive guidance on educational pathways for themselves and their children.

bottom of page