Marcelo De Stefano’s Profile

Adjunct Professor

He/Him

Online

I am a driven Managing Director and Critical Thinking Professor with 25 years of leadership experience across education, art, healthcare, and construction sectors. I believe leadership is about sparking innovation and empowering others to reach their fullest potential. For over a decade at the New York City Department of Education (DOE), I had the honor of serving in a senior leadership role, where I was recognized by the Chancellor for significantly improving operational efficiency and organizational performance through visionary leadership, strategic planning, and a passion for innovation. I hold a Doctor of Education degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, am a licensed architect and Fulbright Scholar, and have permanent New York State certification in School District Administration and Supervision. I am a certified interpreter and translator in Spanish and English and fluent in Italian. My four years in diplomatic service as the spouse of the Ambassador of Ireland to Spain taught me the art of high-stakes communication, cross-cultural negotiation, and global collaboration. I engaged with senior leaders, ambassadors, and policymakers, honing skills that have shaped me into a leader who sees challenges as opportunities for growth. Creativity has always been at the heart of my work. As a professional painter and studio owner, I developed a keen eye for innovation and a deep respect for storytelling—skills that help me design engaging educational content and lead diverse teams with authenticity and vision. My experience in NGOs and fundraising has only reinforced my dedication to social impact and community building, values I bring to every leadership role I embrace. I am committed to bringing a strong work ethic, unwavering dedication, honesty, reliability, and a rich tapestry of skills to any senior role, driven by a vision to lead with purpose and inspire positive change.

Critical Thinking
Leadership
Literacy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelodestefano/

Academic Literacy and Linguistics

Linguistics and Literacy, A.A.