Désirée is the President and Head of College of Pearson College UWC which emphasizes education as a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. Described by national media as “one of Canada’s 10 most influential people on environmental issues,” she is a co-founder of Al Gore’s Climate Project and former advisor to then prime minister Paul Martin. From 2008 to 2015 Désirée served as President of the Jeanne Sauvé Foundation, which gathers young leaders from Canada and around the world to address key global challenges.