Deesha Philyaw

Deesha Philyaw is an acclaimed American author, celebrated for her debut short story collection, "The Secret Lives of Church Ladies." Her work delves into the intricate lives of Black women, exploring themes of love, family, and identity with rich, evocative prose. Philyaw's collection garnered widespread praise and earned her several accolades, including the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and the Story Prize. Her insightful storytelling extends beyond fiction as she engages audiences through essays about race, gender, and culture in publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post. Philyaw resides in Pittsburgh, where she continues to craft extraordinary narratives.