Helena Andrews-Dyer
Helena Andrews-Dyer is a Washington, DC-based author whose wit and compassion have made her an in-demand voice for millennial women and their shifting roles in society. In her memoir, "The Wreckage Of My Presence," Helena writes candidly about her childhood, her coming of age during the Obama years, and her quest to find herself in the midst of political turmoil and personal heartache.
Born in Washington, DC, to Dominican-American parents, Helena was raised in a working-class family, where she was encouraged to pursue her dreams. Her father worked three jobs to provide for their modest needs, and her mother encouraged Helena to strive for excellence in her studies. Despite the constraints of her family’s background, Helena was determined to make the most out of her education.
At Georgetown University, Helena was a double major in American studies and government, and minored in creative writing. During her time in college, she worked to make her voice heard. She wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post, advocating for the rights of Dreamers, undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children. She would later co-direct Georgetown’s undocumented student advocacy group.
After college, Helena moved back to DC and worked in digital media, where her sharp wit and drive earned her gigs at publications like TheRoot.com and The Washington Post. It was during this time that she started writing her memoir, chronicling her journey to find her true self amid the rapid development of the nation’s capital.
In “The Wreckage Of My Presence,” Helena pulls back the curtain on modern-day Washington, DC. Through stories about dating, work, and heartache, she shows how her city, and society at large, is changing around her. It’s a frank and funny exploration of what it means to be a woman in Washington and beyond.
Helena has also become a regular voice in the media, balancing the news with her unique perspective and values. Her topics of choice include politics, women’s rights, and her hometown. Helena has appeared on outlets like MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, and PBS NewsHour to share her insight and expertise.
Helena’s talents have been celebrated in many ways: She’s been named one of Essence magazine’s “Women To Watch,” included in Washingtonian magazine’s 2018 Best and Brightest list, and has won a National Magazine Award for writing.
Helena continues to spread her message of inclusion and understanding and encourages people to find joy in their own stories. Through her writing, her media appearances, and her public speaking, Helena’s voice serves as an inspiration to many.
