CCP Chose Me: Deesha Dyer’s Story

Deesha Dyer is an award-winning event strategist, community leader, author, speaker, philanthropist, executive operations expert, founder and CEO. But before these accomplishments, Deesha was a student right here at Community College of Philadelphia. While attending CCP, Deesha landed an internship in the White House, working for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. She worked in the White House for several years following that internship, eventually becoming the White House social secretary, a highly coveted senior position. Now, Deesha is 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.

When Deesha came to CCP, she was an adult student returning to college, and she needed a learning environment that would meet her exactly where she was. “CCP taught me to meet everybody where they are because the school met me where I was as a 30-year-old going back to school trying to be a social worker,” Deesha said. “And I think it helped a lot in my career professionally and personally because now I approach everything from that mindset of meeting people where they are.”

When asked why she chose CCP, Deesha said she felt that the College chose her. “...I needed a slower pace for school. I needed something that was affordable. I needed smaller classes, and I needed to figure out what I wanted to do in life,” she said. “And so, I would say that it wasn't me that chose CCP. It was CCP that chose me, because I had everything that I needed to be a successful student.”

One of her favorite memories from CCP occurred when she became new alum. In 2012, around the time of her graduation, Deesha was already working with the Obama Administration and was wrapped up in re-election and campaign tasks. “I graduated in 2012, but we were getting President Obama reelected, so I could not walk at graduation,” she said. “So, in 2016, I was a Commencement speaker; they surprised me with my degree.” Deesha was delighted to still feel so seen by and connected to the College community.

Deesha hopes that the College can continue to provide the same kind of success that she found on campus to students of all kinds. “I do hope that there is more support for students who are parents, for those who have returned from incarceration, those who may be experiencing being unhoused,” she said. “I want it to be a place where everybody is welcomed. And then also that the school has a direct career path to jobs for students as soon as they graduate.”

Community College of Philadelphia is proud to be a part of Deesha’s incredible journey and grateful that she continues to engage with students, sharing her wisdom and experience with those aspiring to work in government relations and related fields. Earlier this semester, Deesha returned to campus to participate in a panel discussion with City of Philadelphia Councilmember Isaiah Thomas discussing local government, public policy and civic engagement.

You can learn more about Deesha and the wonderful work she does on her website, www.deeshadyer.com.