Deesha Dyer’s path to the White House was nothing short of remarkable. At 31 years old, she was a hip-hop journalist and part-time community college student from Philadelphia when she landed an internship at the White House in 2009.
“I was so shocked and I said are you sure because for me when you’re an intern you can you know you’re in college or you just graduated so that’s acceptable not to have a college degree but a full-time job and when I said to her over the phone to Alyssa I said are you sure and she said yes we’re very sure.” – Deesha Dyer
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Despite her initial doubts, Dyer rose from an intern to the White House Social Secretary, overseeing every event from state dinners to concerts and visits from world leaders and the Pope. However, she grappled with imposter syndrome, feeling unqualified without a college degree.
“I walked in and I was like everyone else is more qualified than I am but let’s back up June 2009 you get a call to interview for an intern you’re 31 years old you’re in Community College you end up getting that job and then after you after you after you finish that job they call you for another job which says to me they saw something in you that you didn’t see in yourself.”
Perseverance and Authenticity
Dyer learned to embrace her authentic self, rejecting feedback that suggested her voice was “too loud or too harsh.” She persevered through challenges, like managing morning sickness during crucial events while pregnant, earning praise from President Obama for her exceptional work.
“They had no idea and I think for me the impostor syndrome made me feel like I have to push through this like no matter how sick I am no matter how I feel because I was like if I just mess up one small thing I’m going to go back to thinking I’m a fraud and so will everybody else.”
A Trailblazer’s Memoir
In her memoir, “Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble,” Dyer shares her inspiring journey, overcoming self-doubt and embracing her authenticity to achieve remarkable success at the highest levels of government.
“You’ll never be able to see your light standing in your own shadow so move out of the way.” – Deesha Dyer
