Without credentials or connections, community college student and advocate Deesha Dyer navigated her imposter syndrome, landing one of the most exclusive positions in the White House.  

From the most unlikely person to end up as a senior official to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama comes a candid, incredible, and inspiring story. Moved by the election of the country’s first Black president, Deesha Dyer applied for a White House internship in 2009 as a thirty-one-year-old part-time community college student, taking a leap that carried her into a permanent full-time position, followed by three promotions landing her at the epicenter of politics.

In spite of the little voice in her head telling her she didn’t deserve to be there, Deesha thrived and rose to the highly coveted role of White House social secretary, giving her a front-row seat to defining moments in history while curating some of the flyest parties 1600 Pennsylvania has ever seen. Yet, with humor and realness, she peels back the curtain, revealing the hard truth about why she spent years trying to hide behind it. Undiplomatic is a deeply personal narrative about combating self-doubt while being on top of the world. Deesha reflects on how imposter syndrome threatened her self-esteem, proven aptitude, and survival until she realized that it was neither her fault nor her responsibility. 

In this vivid portrayal from a true “around the way girl” on the personal impact of the Obama presidency, Deesha shares her road map from imposter to impact. In Undiplomatic, she invites you on a journey of self-discovery where she overcame doubt, unearthed true love for herself, and learned that your unique worth is not something to be earned, but something inherently deserved. Uplifting, funny, and sincere, Deesha’s story shows you about authenticity at all costs, and the joy and freedom that awaits on the other side.

BIO

Deesha Dyer is the Founder & CEO of Hook & Fasten, a social impact firm. Dyer is an award-winning event strategist, community organizer, and sought-after keynote speaker who specializes in transforming ideas into causes that create tangible change. A 2019 Resident Fellow for the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, her career, and personal mission reflects an unwavering passion for servant leadership, civic engagement, and social justice. 

Her journey began at a community college and led to her role as social secretary for the Obama White House. Dyer worked with the President and First Lady to plan and arrange all official and personal events hosted at the White House. She coordinated the historic visit of Pope Francis, State Dinners with leaders from China, Canada, Italy, Singapore, and Italy, and booked legendary acts like Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, and more. 

Dyer is also the Co-founder and Executive Director of beGirl.world, an organization that empowers teen girls through global education and travel. Additionally, she oversees Black Girl 44, a scholarship fund for young black women seeking internships in Washington, D.C., and the Deesha Dyer Second Chance Scholarship at the Community College of Philadelphia. Her work has led to her being named Marie Claire’s new guard of women changing the world and the Root’s most influential African-Americans. She has also been featured in Vogue, Travelnoire, and The Washington Post and in 2022, Deesha was awarded the Women of Excellence Award by the city of Washington, DC.

REVIEWS

"A revealing insider’s look inside the executive branch and its entrenched culture." -- Kirkus Reviews

“From the moment I met Deesha, I knew she was special. And she was special because she showed me her whole self. I knew exactly what I was getting, which was…a star. I knew then she would thrive, and so what a lesson about imposter syndrome this book is to all of us. Deesha’s memoir, Undiplomatic, is emotional, enthralling and inspiring. It’s also very funny. This book is for anyone still on their starting journey or still on their journey which is…all of us.” -- Alyssa Mastromonaco, New York Times bestselling author of Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? and former White House Deputy Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama

“Deesha delivers her captivating story with candor and courage. It is valuable reading, especially for those many who have doubted their self-worth. Undiplomatic provides powerful, authentic antidotes to ‘imposter syndrome’ and demonstrates that it is not only possible but necessary to believe in oneself and to silence those voices that say you do not belong.” -- Ambassador Susan E. Rice, former national security advisor and domestic policy advisor and New York Times bestselling author of Tough Love

[H]  Legacy Lit  /  April 23, 2024

1.1" H x 9.0" L x 6.0" W (0.95 lbs) 256 pages