Deesha Dyer

Deesha Dyer is a philanthropist, strategist, author, and community organizer recognized for her career in public service and social impact. Dyer began her tenure at the White House as an intern while attending community college and ultimately served as White House Social Secretary, becoming the second Black woman to hold the position. In this senior role, she managed the White House Social Office, overseeing event coordination, logistics, protocol, and statecraft for major events, including state dinners and visits with dignitaries. Dyer previously held positions as Deputy Director and Hotel Program Director in the White House Office of Scheduling and Advance.

After her government service, Dyer founded and serves as president of Hook & Fasten, a social impact agency that develops partnerships to drive sustainable community change. Under her leadership, Hook & Fasten has launched a national infant feeding program across 23 states, designed a rehabilitation program for formerly incarcerated men, and facilitated philanthropic partnerships distributing nearly $1 million to community organizations. Dyer also co-founded beGirl.world Global Scholars, an organization focused on empowering and supporting Black teen girls in global education and travel.

Dyer was appointed a Harvard Kennedy School Resident Fellow at the Institute of Politics, where she designed and taught a course titled "Imposter to Impact." She is the author of the memoir "Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble," which received the Larry Neal Writer's Award. Her writing has appeared in Oprah Daily, Glamour, and Lonely Planet, and she has been recognized with the Women of Excellence Award by the District of Columbia.

Dyer has been featured in Marie Claire, The Root, Essence, Vogue, Travelnoire, and The Washington Post, and has provided commentary on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR. As a keynote speaker, she addresses topics such as women in leadership, diversity, and social change. Her keynote, "Imposter to Impact: Recognizing, Managing, and Overcoming," draws on her experience navigating leadership roles and advancing diversity and inclusion in government and nonprofit sectors.