2019 Tillman Scholar

David Laszcz

Marine Corps
Harvard University
MPP

“I want to develop more effective and salient policies to promote economic development to build resilience in local communities.”

At 17, David enlisted in the Marines as a Rifleman, driven by his family’s two-year displacement after Hurricane Rita. That challenging experience instilled in him a deep desire to serve his country and help others rebuild their lives after a crisis. In 2011, David deployed in response to the Arab Spring, where he became fascinated by the ways economic development, governance, and sustainability could shape a better future. After his unit completed their mission, he returned home and began volunteering in his district. It was there that he saw firsthand how government policies and economic investment can uplift communities and improve lives.

David’s dedication and hard work led to his promotion to Sergeant and an appointment to the Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Economics as a Harry S. Truman Scholar. Upon graduating, he commissioned as a Marine officer and served as a Staff Economist at the Council of Economic Advisers at the White House. His passion for making a difference led him to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, focusing on the intersection of Business and Government.

After completing his studies at Harvard, David returned to active duty, serving with the fleet Marine force in North Carolina and deploying with Special Operations Command Africa. In 2024, he transitioned out of active service but remains deeply committed to public service. David is determined to use his experience in crisis response, his belief in the power of economic development, and his dedication to national security to continue empowering those who face adversity, always striving to uplift communities and make a meaningful impact.