Imposter to Impact:
A Conversation with Deesha Dyer,
Former White House Social Secretary to the Obamas
Monday, October 13
18h30-20h45
Chez Kathleen, 75116
Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Deesha Dyer, former White House Social Secretary under President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama, as she reflects on her journey from community college student to one of the most trusted figures in the East Wing.
In this conversation, she’ll share what it was really like behind the scenes at the Obama White House, how she navigated self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and why authenticity and community matter more than ever. We'll talk about ambition, identity, mental health, navigating imposter syndrome, rewriting the old narratives we tell ourselves, and the power of showing up even when you feel like you don’t belong.
Whether you’re in the midst of a career shift, dreaming bigger, or just feeling a bit stuck, this is the kind of honest, energizing exchange that reminds you you’re not alone, and that impact doesn’t require permission.
We’ll wrap up the evening with a casual get together over wine and nibbles, where Deesha will be delighted to sign copies of her book (Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble — available here).
Come for the inspiration, stay for the connection.
Spaces are limited. Any questions, please contact DEIB chair, Chloé.
Speaker Profile:
Deesha Dyer is a philanthropist, award-winning strategist and author, 
on-the-ground community organizer, and executive operations expert. Working her way up from a 31-year old community college student who served as a White House intern for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Deesha ended her government career as the White House social secretary, a highly-coveted senior position. She is currently the founder and president of social impact agency, Hook & Fasten where she coordinates transformational partnerships by utilizing a company’s funds, skills, resources or product to ignite sustainable change in communities.
She is curator of multiple scholarships for Black women in politics, travel, wellness and animal care and sits on board of the Humane Society of the United States. Serving as a Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics Resident Fellow in 2019, Deesha designed and led a study course called, Imposter to Impact. A renowned speaker known for her engaging and authentic delivery, she is an expert on topics ranging from diplomacy, events, women leadership, confidence, race & ethnicity and social change.
Deesha was included in Marie Claire’s new guard of women changing
the world, the Root’s most influential African-Americans and profiled in Women Who Run the White House by Essence. She’s been featured in Vogue, Travelnoire, and the Washington Post and has also delivered commentary on CNN, MSNBC and NPR. Deesha has written for Oprah Daily, Glamour and Lonely Planet and was awarded the Women of Excellence Award by the District of Columbia. In April 2024, Deesha released her highly anticipated debut, Undiplomatic, about her untraditional journey in politics and advocacy. Undiplomatic has been praised by Oprah’s Book Club, Taraji P. Henson and Michelle Obama as being a must-read and is used as a resource for confidence and worth at institutions across the country. For her impact through Undiplomatic, Dyer was recently awarded the prestigious Larry Neal Writers Award.
