Desiree Rogers Talks White House, Ebony & Why Its Wasn’t About Her

Former White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers interviewed recently with Fox News Chicago.

The 51-year-old public relations guru discussed her time as the White House Social Secretary, her new role with Ebony magazine as a consultant and her growing legacy.

When asked if she was prepared for the level of scrutiny she experienced during her role as the White House Social Secretary, Rogers stated “I really don’t think any of us were.” Rogers explains that most people don’t usually know who the Social Secretaries are, with the exception of the Kennedy administration’s Letitia Baldrige. Rogers stated, “I don’t think any of us realized how much public scrutiny would be on the first African American Social Secretary.”

On whether the American people will ever have a fair view on her accomplishments during her appointment after the White House crashers incident, Roger says, “I think that’s a selfish way to think about it. It’s less important about what people think about my term, and more important I think, for the people who were there.” Rogers adds, “It’s not always about me.”

Rogers set a record for producing 370 events in one year’s time.

The former Social Secretary shared her thoughts on whether or not she would have been viewed differently if she were not beautiful, female and African American with a Harvard MBA. To this question, Roger explains, “People make judgments about people based on who they look like.” She says people often harbor feelings about her until they get to know her.

The power player also talked her new role with Ebony magazine. Roger reveals that Linda Johnson-Rice, Chairwoman and CEO of Ebony has been a dear friend for 20 plus years, and she never expected they would have an opportunity to work together. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am, and how humbled I am to really be apart of what I think will be the next round of this company.”

Before stepping into her iconic role as the White House Social Secretary, Rogers was the head of the state lottery and People’s Gas in Illinois.

Rogers says she accepts her role as a mentor. “I have a responsibility to bring those behind me [younger people], and be a mentor and also to counsel anyone I can. I think you have to earn that reputation as a role model.”

Check out the entire interview here: