Meet the Faculty: Desirée LeClercq

Professor LeClercq teaches courses on international labor law and U.S. labor and employment law.

What do you enjoy about working with ILR students?

The prospect of working with ILR students is what brought me to Cornell. I love your enthusiasm and curiosity about labor, life, and the future. In you, I see a real hope for a better and more equitable future. I enjoy knowing that the lessons I have learned along the way – from working for the International Labor Organization in Switzerland to working for the Office of the President in DC to working for the Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board – might prove helpful as you begin to navigate your own careers. I hope to share the wisdom I’ve picked up along the way and help you all avoid making the mistakes I made.

What piece of advice would you like to offer your students?

Imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and nerves affect each and every one of us. The challenge isn’t about getting rid of inevitable, defeatist emotions, but to learn how to channel those emotions into power. Every time we take a risk, try something new, try something again after we failed the first time – those are opportunities to practice empowerment. Embrace those opportunities.

When do you recommend students to reach out to you?

Sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until you are struggling. Curious about whether the ILR School is the right place for you? Email me. Feeling stressed about college selection? Email me. Doubting yourself? Email me. Have an interview coming up and you aren’t sure how to answer questions or what you should wear? Email me. That written, don’t expect a response on weekends because my 3-year-old owns me on Saturdays and Sundays.