Women in Espionage
From Biblical
times through the American Revolutionary War, the U.S. Civil War, World
Wars I and II, the Cold War and Post-Cold War, women have played an
important role in intelligence and espionage. Women have been spies,
traitors, heroines and espionage enablers.
This course provides an
introduction to who these women were, what they did, and whom they
betrayed. It discusses the contemporary impact that women have on the
field of espionage, from field operatives to senior level Intelligence
Community managers.
Classic Cold War era operations in Moscow are
highlighted, and the roles of women in these cases are discussed. The
role in espionage of the modern seductress, following in the footsteps
of Mata Hari, is updated with details on current cases. The impact of
“wives” is discussed, including wives who betray their husbands, wives
who are accomplices and female officers who use the role of “wife” as
cover.
Jonna Mendez, former CIA officer, discusses her role in
operations in the 1980s and early 1990s, using disguise, photography and
surveillance detection tools. The “glass ceiling” dynamic will be
explored, with interviews with women involved in the cases in the 1990s.
Finally, the course will end with a discussion of the alleged “outing”
of Valerie Plame and the consequences of that event. [1 day]
March is
Women's History Month
For Women's History Month,
offer your organization a dynamic, multimedia presentation
about Women in Espionage. This unique, timely and
interesting briefing will fascinate your employees as well
as provide them with valuable counterintelligence and
security awareness information.
Since the dawn of mankind,
women have been spies, traitors, heroines, saboteurs,
terrorists and espionage enablers. An ancient Indian
philosopher and strategist, Kautilya, wrote in the 4th
century BC about using women as spies because of their
ability to be unnoticed, blending into the world of men
because of gender expectations, thereby making them very
effective weapons in the world of intelligence and
espionage. Few have studied and fewer still appreciate the
contributions of women in this field.
This presentation will
introduce capable, cunning and dedicated spies and
heroines, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice, from
pre-Biblical times to the present 21st century. You’ll learn
more about women spies—beyond just Mata Hari—such as Ethel
Rosenberg, Rose Greenhow, Ana Montes, Lydia Darragh, Sara
Edmonds, Virginia Hall, Ruth Werner, Lona Cohen and many
others, and find out what these women contributed (good
and bad) to the history of intelligence and espionage.
The presentation will also make your audience more aware
that not only men are spies, and they will appreciate what
women have accomplished in the intelligence field.
The presentation is given by CI Centre™ counterintelligence
experts
Connie Huff Allen
(retired US Army Counterintelligence Officer) and
Jonna Mendez
(retired CIA
Intelligence Officer and author of Spy Dust: Two Masters of
Disguise Reveal the Tools and Operations That Helped Win the
Cold War).
This exciting, educational and enlightening Women in
Espionage presentation comes in three lengths for your
convenience and scheduling needs: A quick 90-minute version,
a half-day version, or a full-day version with the most
information. We recommend making reservations as soon as
possible for this special presentation to ensure your
preferred date availability in March for Women’s History
Month.
Women in Espionage is a
timely and relevant topic to present to your organization in
March, but it is also available at any time during the year
at your location or at the CI Centre’s fully-equipped
training facility in Alexandria, Virginia (right outside
Washington, DC).
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What did
you learn in this course that will help you in
your career and profession?
-
“Historical perspective and
how it sill exists in today’s ideology.”
-
“I learned about new motives
for spies that I didn’t know about before. I
didn’t know about the extent of seduction by
women taking part in espionage.”
-
“The different types of roles
women played in CI, as women in espionage.
Their different styles, motives, etc.”
-
“I am not limited in my
career and future endeavors and can make a
difference to help better my country as a
strong woman.”
-
“How things have changed and
are still changing, as far as equality.”
What will you do differently
as a result of this knowledge?
-
“Handle counterintelligence
matters in my job with more insight. Be
cautious in public about spies for other
countries.”
-
“Educate others, recommend
the class.”
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“Plan to participate in more
counterintelligence courses. Even greater
understanding of classification, security
and confidentiality.”
-
“Never underestimate the
capabilities of women in relation to
conducting counterintelligence
investigations. Always learn from historical
perspectives to get a better understanding
of possible future outcomes.”
What did you like best about
this course and why?
-
“The Centre provides a list
of recommended reading and interaction with
the class.”
-
“Both presenters were
passionate about their subject matter and
came across as knowledgeable and
enthusiastic. The pace was good.”
-
“I liked that videos clips of
spies were shown.”
-
“Learning about all the
strong, selfless women who helped our
country.”
-
“I loved everything—the
information, the footage, the Ana Montes
song!! Thank you for putting this course
together—I will definitely recommend this
course to others.”
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Feedback
“This course is for everyone who works in the Intelligence
Community. It was interesting to see the list of reasons why
people spy. I am amazed at the number of women in
espionage.”
“Gained a lot of info re CI. Will be more mindful of
women roles in the IC.”
“Awesome class overall!”
“As a man attending this course, I can honestly say I
understand better now than before what contributions women
have made. I continue to believe that it does not matter who
the ‘spy’ is, male or female, rather it is more important to
have the right person for the job.”
“This course was very good and I’m glad I took it. I
would recommend this to all IC employees.”
“Excellent course with a great look at the various roles
women have played in the world of espionage. I’m very happy
that I attended and would definitely recommend it to
others.”
“Course was excellent and the instructors were
outstanding.”
“Great course—liked the female angle as they tend to be
lost or overlooked in history.”
“Fascinating course. Good information on history of women
in spying. Reminder that women are often overlooked but make
good spies. Will help with good CI practices.”
“This course was very interesting. It was nice to hear a
female perspective on espionage and counterintelligence.”
“It made me more aware of how espionage has shaped
history, especially during war times.”
“The course gave me great respect for the women who have
worked in the field of espionage. The course did an
excellent job of showing that different women have played
different roles in the history of espionage and that not
just women but all people have different strengths and
weaknesses.”
“I am fascinated by the subject matter. Makes me more
aware about what people do and will probably make me more
observant.”
“Broadens one’s thinking about the world of female spies.
Explores areas in history that aren’t general
discussed/presented in other courses/briefings.”
“Very interesting material and presenters kept the
audience captive. This class opened my eyes to a lot of
things I never knew before.”
“Amazing to hear about women over various eras in US
history that have impacted the nation. Good background and
supporting reading material.”
“As a result of this course, I’m going to take the role
of women in espionage more seriously.”
“I liked the course because it made me realize women do
play a vital role in their governments.”
“Outstanding briefer, extremely knowledgeable. Good
information, very eye-opening.”
“One of the best I’ve ever taken.”
"Excellent course! It really
helped me in knowing more about women spies."
"The presentation was very
informative and most of all--engaging!
"Excellent! Instructors were
extremely knowledgeable. Entertaining stories, excellent
videos as part of the wonderful PowerPoint presentation.
Course material easy for the 'lay person' to
understand--makes it more enjoyable."
"Wonderful course! Opens your
eyes."
"Very
informative to see how women trail-blazed path for rest of
us."
"I really enjoyed the course."
"CI Centre courses are always
informative. I highly recommend them to all I meet."
"Great overview of the subject
matter. I never realized how many women were involved in
espionage. In fact, I'm sure there are more that are yet to
be realized. I plan to do lots of reading in this subject."
"Instructor's knowledge and
ability to communicate and engage the audience is
outstanding."
"Information presented was
well done and interestingly captivating."
"Very interesting and
informative. Would definitely recommend to others."
"Instructors are obvious
experts in subject area. Very dynamic speakers."
"Great information! The class
offers a different perspective and a wealth of information!"
