Desiree Cook-Calvin is a native New Orleanian.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Desiree was educated in the New Orleans Public School System, where she excelled academically and civically. She is a proud graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School. After receiving her high school diploma, Desiree continued her post-secondary education at the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied History. Upon completing her studies at Carnegie Mellon, Desiree returned home to New Orleans to study law. She was conferred a Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University.
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Much of Desiree's professional career has been dedicated to serving her community, beginning with her tenure as a Legislative Aid to State Senator Paulette Irons. Desiree's compassion for people and her concern that every individual receive competent legal representation led her to enter private practice and found the Law Office of Desiree Cook-Calvin. While in private practice, Desiree handled many pro bono cases, representing individuals that could not otherwise afford legal representation.
Desiree later joined the New Orleans City Attorney's Office as an Assistant City Attorney, where she gained invaluable experience in governmental policies and procedures. Desiree is a staff attorney at New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation. During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Desiree represented clients with housing issues. She currently works as a family attorney, focusing her energy and passion on representing victims of domestic violence.
Desiree is an Adjunct Professor at Delgado Community College. She is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the New Orleans Bar Association.
CIVIC ACHIEVEMENT
Desiree has served her community in numerous civic organizations. She served on the Board of Directors of Community Volunteers Association and the Board of Trustees and Youth Ministry Advisory Board of Household of Faith Family Worship Church International. She also served as Director of Steppers for Christ, Young Women's Christian Sisterhood. Desiree volunteered as a Domestic Violence Attorney for the YWCA, as a volunteer for Orleans Parish Public Defenders' Office, and as a volunteer tutor for Chester Elementary School and Lafayette Elementary School. She currently serves as a parent volunteer for Girl Scouts USA.
