doi:10.7916/3rmv-n582Oral history interview with Deesha Dyer, 2020Dyer, Deeshaoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--Staff.--United StatesPresidents--Social secretaries.--United StatesCivil service--United StatesDyer, DeeshaObama, BarackObama, Michelle, 1964-Deesha Dyer describes her service in various administrative and social roles in the Obama White House. Dyer focuses on her efforts to expand the reach of White House social events and programming, targeting groups and communities historically underrepresented on the White House social calendar. Dyer also provides details about the planning and execution of White House social events, including those she oversaw as social secretary, such as the state visits of Pope Francis and Xi Jinping in 2015. Dyer also reflects on the symbolic importance of President and Mrs. Obama, and her motivations for pursuing a career in public service