Desiree Rew, MSW, LCSW, MBA, describes herself as the “return on investment to anyone who has ever given their time, talent, or treasures to support a public library.” Growing up in Baltimore, MD Desiree attributes the many hours spent in the Enoch Pratt Free Library as her launchpad for the adventure, academic endeavors, and adaptability she has enjoyed in her life. “I grew up in an environment where everybody looked like me. My neighbors were African-American, my teachers, principals, bus drivers, civic leaders, and my friends. I grew up with the support of my community, but not a worldview. It was the library that fed my enormous imagination, housed my feelings on paper, answered questions, took me to all parts of the world, and introduced me to a community that was diverse, inclusive, and welcoming.”
Desiree is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Century Villages at Cabrillo, a permanent supportive housing community which houses homeless individuals, families, and veterans. She is an alumna of Leadership Long Beach (Class of 2020), and Commissioner on the Long Beach Homeless Services Advisory Committee. She is a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated-the largest black Greek-letter sorority in the world-where she serves on the executive board of the Long Beach Alumnae Chapter. When she isn’t working and involved in community service, Desiree is a contributing writer for the online travel publication, Travel Awaits. She is the owner of Desiree Eats and Travels, LLC and writes for her own blog, ruedesiree.com. Desiree has one Son, David, who is likewise a Social Worker and a 21-month-old grandson, Xavier.
Desiree’s personal mission is to make a difference in lives and communities. She hopes her work on the Long Beach Public Library Foundation Board will allow her to accomplish just that.
