Iron Butterfly (Iron Butterfly Media)

The Iron Butterfly Podcast is back for Season 8 and we kick things off with an episode so packed with insights, we had to split it into two! Megan and Cadie sit down with Katrina Mulligan, currently the National Security Lead at Open AI. Katrina has had an extraordinary career, including serving as Barack Obama's paralegal before he even ran for the Senate, working on GTMO policy at the ODNI, and being Chief of Staff to the first female Secretary of the Army. Along the way, she shares some unforgettable moments and reflections. She even talks about attending Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and making friendship bracelets with her boss!

In this first part, she opens up about the importance of seizing unexpected opportunities and how to know when to pivot, have a plan, and execute it with precision. Don’t miss out on this fascinating conversation, and be sure to tune in in two weeks for Part Two!To support The Iron Butterfly Podcast, visit out Patreon:  / ironbutterflypodcast  To learn more about Iron Butterfly Media, check out our website: https://www.ironbutterflymedia.com/

Hold onto your hats because episode two is one wild ride! We’re joined by Elizabeth Grimm, a powerhouse in both national security and academia. Currently a Professor of Teaching in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, Elizabeth’s career path can best be described as “unexpectedly epic.”

In part one of this episode, we dive into how Elizabeth accidentally became a lawyer in France (yes, you read that right), and how her first job out of college had her rubbing shoulders with top brass at the Department of Defense. From there, we talk about her trailblazing role at the brand-new National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), all while juggling the demands of her PhD. But that’s not all—we also tackle the big questions, like how to compartmentalize traumatic research topics. And we include a seriously important debate about the best types of bubbly water—because hey, national security and sparkling water are intertwined, right?

Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts deep, inspiring, entertaining, and refreshingly bubbly!

Welcome to the Iron Butterfly Podcast, co-produced by the National Security Institute and the Amazing Women of the IC, better known as AWIC. Iron Butterfly is the first podcast by and for women in the US Intelligence Community which brings you real stories from women in intelligence.

Eighty years ago, Eloise Page joined the Office of Strategic Services, or the OSS, a predecessor for what we recognize today as the United States Intelligence Community. Page started as a secretary, but worked her way to becoming a case officer and later, she became the first female Chief of Station at CIA. Along the way, she earned the nickname “Iron Butterfly,” known for being a fierce fighter with a core of steel. Each Tuesday Megan Jaffer will interview America’s unsung heroines to reveal their journey in the world of spies and trailblazing new paths for women in national security.

Join us every week for exciting stories, helpful tips, and meaningful conversation with women in intelligence.

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Carmen Medina, former Deputy Director for Intelligence Central Intelligence Agency and NSI Advisory Board member, joins Iron Butterfly to discuss her 32 years’ experience in the Intelligence Community. Carmen is the co-author of Rebels At Work: A Handbook for Leading Change from Within and of the landmark piece, Diversity’s New Frontier: Diversity of Thought and the Future of the Workplace. Her story as a change agent at CIA is featured in Wharton School professor Adam Grant’s bestseller Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World.

This far ranging conversation hits on a variety of topics including racism, diversity, and inclusion in the Intelligence Community; how to be a leader that breaks the mold; and working in apartheid South Africa. Tune in to to hear her story and tips for excelling in the Intelligence Community and beyond.

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The Honorable Sue Gordon, former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, joins Iron Butterfly this week to share her experiences braving uncertainty and making tough decisions in senior roles across the community. Sue is a 29-year CIA veteran with over 3 decades in the IC, and is known for her incredible leadership across the community, especially in advancing intelligence integration, expanding outreach and partnerships, and driving innovation.

This discussion delves into the challenges of authentic leadership, the inevitable trade-offs balancing work and life, and the art of decision-making. Tune in to walk in the shoes of one of the IC's most senior women.

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This week, Iron Butterfly is joined by Karen Gibson, a former U.S. Army Lieutenant General who served as the Director of Intelligence for four different organizations, including CENTCOM and deployed Task Forces in Iraq and Africa. She shares her adventures at the exciting nexus of intelligence and operations, and brings listeners "inside the tent" where military decision-making happens. 

In this episode, Karen tells stories about the real impact of her work as a forward-deployed intelligence officer, shares her thoughts on James Bond, and reminds us all that there are human beings at the other end of everything we do.

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The Honorable Ellen McCarthy, Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (INR), joins Iron Butterfly this week to share her experiences rising through the ranks in the intelligence community. Ellen has served in a variety of government, private sector, and non-profit roles, including as the COO of NGA, President of Noblis NSP, and President of INSA. 

This conversation explores INR's roots in the OSS, Ellen's own unconventional career path, and AWIC's power connecting women across the community.

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This week, Iron Butterfly is joined by Tish Long, former Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the first woman who became Director for a "big five" 3-letter agency. She shares her experience serving in key leadership roles across the community, including as the Deputy Director of Defense Intelligence Agency, Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence, and Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence.

In this episode, Tish walks us through her journey to becoming one of our community's "firsts." She shares the challenges of self-promotion, the link between leadership and confidence, and her journey growing the courage to ask "why not me?"

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Jenifer Smith joins Iron Butterfly this week to share how a female biochemist ended up working in national security. Jenifer served as an FBI Special Agent for 23 years, where she oversaw analysis for DNA and weapons of mass destruction, and she also led the CIA’s Biological Technology Center. Throughout her career, she investigated some of the most high-profile cases in the community, including the Unabomber and White House scandal involving former President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky.

This discussion delves into Jenifer’s experience breaking cultural barriers as the first female PhD hired by the FBI, balancing work life and home life, making "locker room" decisions, and following the path to ultimately become a real-world Nancy Drew.

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This week, Iron Butterfly is joined by Mary Quinn. Mary has almost three decades of government work under her belt, serving in roles such as Intelligence Officer for the Army, Senior SOUTHCOM Representative, Chief of Operations at Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and Deputy Director of the National Media Exploitation Center at DIA. Mary also worked in the private sector and has been a high school teacher and coach. Join us as she discusses building confidence, becoming a leader, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you. 

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Suzanne Kelly, CEO and publisher of the Cipher Brief, joins Iron Butterfly this week. Suzanne shares her journey to the Cipher Brief and becoming the go-to resource for in-depth coverage of national security issues. Prior to starting the Cipher Brief, Suzanne worked for CNN where she was the Intelligence Correspondent. She built the Cipher Brief from her 20+ years as a journalist. Suzanne is known for being an entrepreneur, bringing creative ideas to the table, and her approach to getting people to collaborate.

This discussion delves into how Suzanne, a self-proclaimed introvert, built a career from creating relationships, taking chances, and thinking outside the box. She talks about how to balance creativity and sensationalism and why she would have dinner with Putin.

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This week, Janice Glover-Jones, Chief Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency joins us on the Iron Butterfly Podcast. Janice shares insight from her successful journey through every single government rank, from GS-1 to Senior Executive. Janice has held multiple leadership roles across the intelligence and defense communities and explains how she hopes to inspire others to achieve their goals. Janice discusses the value of cultivating her relationships, staying true to herself, and the importance of defining her why -- rooted in her 'shero' Harriet Tubman and the oath of office.

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Corin Stone, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Strategy and Engagement at the Office of the National Director of Intelligence (ODNI), joins us this week on the Iron Butterfly podcast. Corin previously worked at the State Department where she completed a tour in Iraq and served as Legal Advisor to Ambassador Negroponte. Corin helped to create the ODNI after 9/11, as well as a legal culture within the IC. As a lawyer who has worked at the State Department, NSA, and ODNI, Corin discusses transparency and the responsibility to maintain the trust and confidence of the American people.

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On this episode of the Iron Butterfly podcast, we are excited to share this breaking story of “Margery Conway.” Margery—who was required to use this alias by the Central Intelligence Agency—spent her career working at CIA as a Case Officer. In this episode, Margery shares her experience as the first woman Case Officer to give birth overseas, the first woman to file and win a class action lawsuit against the CIA for discrimination, and the first of our guests to actually meet Eloise Page, the real Iron Butterfly. All this, while wearing red stilettos.

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This week on the Iron Butterfly Podcast, we are joined by Maria Witkop, a 21-year veteran of the FBI. Maria served in a variety of roles in the Bureau, to include evidence collection at Ground Zero after 9/11, working in the Behavioral Analysis Unit, and serving as a certified Crisis Negotiator. In this episode, Maria discusses the importance of listening and building trust, or as she says, "reaching out instead of kicking," even in the face of atrocities. Join us to find out why Maria was hugged by every person she arrested, how to be a change agent, and why we need more stone catchers in the world. To wrap up this episode, Maria shares with us a heart-stopping preview from her new book.

Please note that this episode includes some content that may be graphic and shocking to listeners. Listener discretion is advised. 

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Join us this week as we sit down with Dawn Meyerriecks, Deputy Director for Science and Technology (DS&T) at the Central Intelligence Agency. Dawn discusses her experience as a late-career hire, the importance of reverse-mentoring, and why she wants her team to fail fast, learn, and move on. She shares her leadership style, including her work to create an environment where people feel encouraged to take risks and push the boundaries of the possible. Tune in to learn more about the importance of the newly-opened CIA Labs and the DS&T's work on "everything from mascara to space."

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On this week's episode of the Iron Butterfly Podcast, we had the opportunity to talk with Alice Fisher. Alice is an NSI Advisory Board member and lawyer who had been working at the Department of Justice (DOJ) for six weeks when the tragedies of 9/11/2001 took place. She spent her early years at DOJ prosecuting terrorism cases, and later helped stand up the National Security Division. She was the second woman to serve as Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, and also served as Deputy Special Counsel to a US Senate Special Committee. She currently practices law at a private firm where she continues to work criminal cases. Tune in to hear Alice's recollection of her experience on 9/11 as she was swept into a black SUV and raced past the smoking Pentagon, and how she handled the intensely chaotic period that followed.

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In our final episode of Iron Butterfly's inaugural season, we are joined by Yvette Hopkins, current Executive Vice President at the Shetland Space Centre. In this conversation, Yvette shares her incredible professional journey as a US Army Officer for nearly 30 years, which culminated as the Director of Intelligence for the US Army Special Operations Command in Africa (SOCAFRICA). Her other roles included many of our community's "firsts," and Yvette discusses her experiences serving in Germany when the Berlin Wall fell, working with international partners, and leading teams rooted in trust. Tune in to celebrate our final episode this season, and stayed tuned for season two in 2021!

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Iron Butterfly Season Two Coming Soon!

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In our first episode of season two, Iron Butterfly is joined by Leslie Ireland. Leslie is the former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Intelligence and Analysis and the National Intelligence Manager for Threat Finance. Leading up to that assignment, she worked at CIA for 25 years, serving as PDB Briefer for President Obama and as the Intelligence Community’s Mission Manager for Iran. Tune in as Leslie talks about the importance of being perseverant and polite, how her failures brought her success, and why President Bush got her a cup of coffee—twice.

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On this week’s episode of the Iron Butterfly, we are joined by Lynn Dugle. Lynn has more than 30 years of experience in defense, intelligence, and telecommunications, and most recently served as Engility’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Prior to Engility, she worked as the President of Raytheon’s Intelligence, Information, and Services business. Lynn also serves on several boards, including the B2B Project, which actively works to place more women in the Boardroom. This week, she sits down with us to share her experience as a corporate executive in defense and intelligence, including her opposition to career planning, approach to organizational change, and why she held 24 different jobs over the course of her career.

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On this week’s episode of the Iron Butterfly podcast, we are joined by Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mary Legere. Mary spent 34 years in the Army, culminating as the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, or G2. She also served as the Commander of the Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) and the Senior Military Intelligence Officer in Iraq and the Republic of Korea. Mary currently works as a Managing Director at Accenture Federal Services. Tune in as Mary reflects on commanding 58,000 intelligence officers, lessons learned in tough leadership roles, and the importance of bringing Girl Scout cookies to hard conversations.

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This week on the Iron Butterfly, we sat down with Dr. Stacey Dixon, Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). In this episode, Stacey takes us along her path from academia to the intelligence community, which included stints on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) staff and as the Director of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA). She shares how her STEM background helped her land multiple roles throughout her career, the importance of making elevator connections, why she loves not being the smartest person in the room, and how fear inspires you to do better. Listen in as Dr. Dixon talks about how she gets to “yes.”

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Listen in to this week’s episode of the Iron Butterfly Podcast as we sit down with Jeny Mills, an Africa Analyst at INR who grew up in the Comoros Islands. On this episode, Jeny shares her journey from human rights activist to Presidential Management Fellow at the State Department, and discusses trailblazing new paths for women, decision-making in crisis situations, and serving abroad in a danger zone. Tune in to hear Jeny debunk myths surrounding mental health in the IC, the importance of career off-roading, and the most embarrassing moment of her professional career.

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"I will gladly hold your capes for you,” Joan Dempsey tells our listeners on this week’s episode of the Iron Butterfly podcast. Joan served in the federal government for 25 years in a variety of roles with the Office of Naval Intelligence, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Central Intelligence Agency. On this episode, Joan discusses being the only woman in the room, finding moments to create change, and the importance of remembering that life is short, but your work life is very long. Listen in to find out why Joan has a mentorship award named after her, and to hear her advice for the next generation of change agents.

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Tune in this week for a powerful new episode of the Iron Butterfly podcast. Join us as we sit down with Janna Scott-Tarman, Senior Intelligence Oversight Officer in the Defense Intelligence Agency's Office of Counterintelligence. Find out why Janna considers herself an “accidental intelligence officer” and how her experience on September 11, 2001 shaped her career trajectory. Janna discusses everything from embarrassing memories as an intelligence briefer to the painful realities of leading teams through tragedy. She dives into how to protect the goals of women, and explains why her goal is to “catch you on your worst day and propel you on your best.”

Please note that this episode includes some content that may be graphic and shocking to listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

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Join us this week for a special episode of the Iron Butterfly podcast, where we host a panel of three amazing men in the IC. Our first panelist, Chairman Mike Rogers, was a former Army Officer and FBI agent, and served as Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI). We also welcome LTG Vince Stewart, a Marine veteran and career intel officer who served as the Director of Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Lastly, we are joined by Nick Kolman-Mandle, a former briefer for the Secretary of State at the President's Daily Brief, who currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) at the State Department. This episode sheds light on the importance of male allies, innovative approaches to building teams, and the challenge of rebuilding America's trust in the keepers of our nation's secrets.

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This week on the Iron Butterfly Podcast we are joined by Laura Thomas, a former case officer at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). During her time at the agency, Laura served as Chief of Base and led several sensitive programs. In this episode, Laura shares her view of what makes a good case officer, how a wine tasting with an asset helped to build trust with the US government, and her experience living “a double life inside a double life.” Tune in to learn more about the role of quantum science in the 21st century, the importance of hard conversations, and Laura’s aim to “illuminate the dark.”

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On this week’s episode of the Iron Butterfly, we sit down with April Falcon Doss, the Executive Director of the Institute for Technology Law and Policy at Georgetown University. April first joined the IC after watching the events of 9/11 unfold on TV from her hospital bed after giving birth. She spent over a decade at the NSA where she served in many roles, to include helping stand up the Directorate of National Intelligence and as Associate General Counsel for Intelligence Law. After leaving the NSA, April practiced law in the private sector and served as Senior Minority Counsel for the Russia Investigation in the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. April discusses how social media platforms know our behaviors better than our families, the implications of technology changing faster than law and policy, and her book, Cyber Privacy: Who Has Your Data and Why You Should Care.

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Join us this week as we sit down with Dr. J’Tia Hart, PhD. J’Tia holds a degree in nuclear engineering and works in nonproliferation at the Argonne National Laboratory with the Department of Energy. Tune in as J’Tia talks about beginning college at the age of 15 and how fainting on a job helped lead her to a career in engineering. She discusses the importance of leaning into what you’re good at and remembering that you belong exactly where you are. J’Tia shares the three prongs of advice she offers to women in the IC and how she follows what sparks joy in her life, including her YouTube series, STEM queens (youtube.com/jtiaphd). 

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Tune in this week as we talk with Chitra Sivanandam, Chief Technology Officer at Reinventing Geospatial Inc (RGI) and recipient of the 2019 AI Industry Executive of the Year award. Chitra discusses what she’s learned over the last 25 years working as an imaging scientist with the IC and DoD and the importance of being comfortable with wacky and unusual ideas. She shares why bringing our whole authentic selves to the table is key to variety and diversity. Chitra emphasizes why we should give ourselves latitude and how owning a brewing company, The Craft of Brewing, comes full circle with advancing AI.  

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Erringer Helbling, Director of Operations at HawkEye 360, joins us this week on the Iron Butterfly. Listen in as Errin discusses her Army service and explains the vital role of geospatial engineers to the intelligence community. In this episode, Errin shares her experiences providing humanitarian assistance through geospatial data, serving troops in combat zones, and meeting an unlikely character during her time as a Military Social Aide at the White House. She explains how to stay true to your purpose as you move through your career, and why she, an engineer, believes people are the most complex system. Tune in as Errin shares insight into her time at SpaceX, why she co-founded a non-profit supporting female veterans, and why she thinks all of us are like rubies.

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This week on the Iron Butterfly Podcast, we are joined by Laura Nelson, CEO of the National Cryptologic Foundation. Laura served in the IC for 37 years and has held roles with NSA and CIA. She has supported multiple initiatives including the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and was the first woman to be a senior leader in cryptanalysis at NSA. Laura shares what she learned as a leader of technical teams, how she found her voice in a male-dominated area, and the challenges of finding mentors who were like her.

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This season of the Iron Butterfly is coming to a close but not before a final special episode!

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Join us as we conclude our second season of the Iron Butterfly podcast with a very special episode. This week, we are joined by three incredible mentees from Girl Security, a non-profit organization working to forge equity in national security by preparing girls and gender minorities to advance confidently into national security’s many pathways. In this episode, three high school and college students were handed the reins as they sat down with their IC “sheroes,” the Honorable Suzanne Spaulding, the Honorable Ellen McCarthy, and Vice Admiral Kelly Aeschbach. Tune in to hear what our panelists had to say about being the only woman in the room, embracing what makes you uncomfortable, and who did the “Hokey Pokey” in the mountains of Kazakhstan. To learn more about Girl Security, please visit www.girlsecurity.org.

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Jacqueline Tame, former Acting Deputy Director and inaugural Chief Performance Officer for the Department of Defense's Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, joins Iron Butterfly to discuss her winding path into the United States Intelligence Community. Jacqueline bravely shares both her professional and personal hurdles, how she overcame them, and why they shaped her into the woman and professional she is today.

In an awe-inspiring conversation, Jacqueline discusses experiences with mentors, superiors, and mentees, while sharing her background that shows that challenges do not define you. Join us in listening to Jacqueline Tame's phenomenal story in our premier episode of Iron Butterfly's third season!

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Rachel Grunspan joins us this week on the Iron Butterfly podcast, bringing her over 20 years experience at the CIA. She has impacted the Agency as a cyber-threat analyst, a game and simulation designer, an executive manager, and most recently, as Dean for CIA's Digital University. She believes in increasing the creative capacity of individuals and organizations to best close intelligence and national security gaps.  

Join us for an exciting episode of the Iron Butterfly as we delve into Rachel's unique and exciting career in intelligence gaming and the digital world as it relates to intelligence, and how she has provided innovation throughout her career.

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In this very special edition of the Iron Butterfly podcast, we sat down with three incredible individuals whose stories are shaped by the loss of their parents in their service to the United States. We spoke with Marie Mickley, an adventure-loving, adrenaline-junkie turned law student at the University of Wisconsin, Jacob Centeno, a professional storyteller, with the title of founder and CEO of Poor Bear Stories, a video production company in Orlando, FL, and Alison Spann, another professional storyteller based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where she is a news anchor.

In this episode, we speak with beneficiaries of the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation, Special Operations Warrior Foundation and Defense Intelligence Memorial Foundation, non-profit organizations that support the families of fallen CIA officers and special operations forces who are killed in action. Marie, Jacob, and Alison all share their stories of bravery, sacrifice, and growth, alongside what the U.S. Intelligence Community means to them.

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This week on the Iron Butterfly podcast, we're joined by Jackie Barbieri, the Founder & CEO of Whitespace, a spatial data analytics company. With a history of supporting the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Intelligence Community as an intelligence analyst. Jackie shares her winding path with us through her academic endeavors at Georgetown University, her desire to serve her country in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, and with her unique linguistic strengths in Spanish, Arabic, and Italian.

In this episode, Jackie shares her purpose and passion for unlocking the value of data sets in order to understand human activity as well as improving human security everywhere. Join us in listening to Jackie's story.

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On this week’s episode of the Iron Butterfly podcast, we are proud to welcome La’Naia Jones, Deputy Chief Information Officer at the National Security Agency. She serves with previous experience as the Acting Chief Information Officer of the Intelligence Community, the Chief of Transformation and Transition in partnership with the Department of Defense, in addition to her background in IT leadership. 

La’Naia joins us and proudly shares her winding path into the IC and how following her passions and working hard led her where she is today. Join us for this special episode of the Iron Butterfly podcast!

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This week on the Iron Butterfly Podcast, we are proud to welcome Suzanne Heckenberg for our Season 3 finale! 

Suzanne is the President of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA), as well as the Intelligence and National Security Foundation. She oversees a host of INSA's strategies ranging from finance, to events, to corporate partnerships. She previously served as the organizations first Chief Operating officer, working to expand INSA from the inside and promote diversity and inclusion within the IC. This week, she shares her remarkable story with us. 

Join us for a fantastic Season 3 finale of the Iron Butterfly Podcast!

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On this special episode, we open Season 4 featuring Lorna and Brad Catling, family members of the legendary Virginia Hall. Virginia worked with the United Kingdom’s Clandestine Special Operations Executive (SOE) and American Office of Strategic Services (OSS), aiding the French Resistance during WWII. She went on to work with the CIA where she ultimately retired from the clandestine services. Virginia was the most highly decorated female civilian in WWII and paved the way for women in the Intelligence Community. 

 

Her family shares her breathtaking story of bravery, resilience, and grit on this week’s season opener of Iron Butterfly.

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This week on the Iron Butterfly Podcast, we are proud to welcome Lauren Bean Buitta, founder and CEO of Girl Security, a nonpartisan, non-profit building equitable pathways in national security for girls, women, and gender minorities. Lauren has worked for a think tank and founded a consulting firm prior to Girl Security, and is associated with a number of prestigious councils and committees. Lauren is a mom to two amazing humans and was named one of the “50 Women Making the World a Better Place.” In this episode, she bravely and courageously shares her story. 

Please note that this episode includes some content that may be graphic and shocking to listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

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On this week’s episode of the Iron Butterfly podcast, we are thrilled to welcome our friend, Janaki Kates. Janaki is a national security consultant with nearly two decades of government experience and is passionate about expanding missions and growing diverse workforces. She began her career at the CIA as an analyst focusing on foreign space programs. She then went on to focus on foreign weapon systems, counterproliferation, and counterintelligence. Janaki has served at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Department of State, and the National Security Council. Most recently, she served as the Director of Government Affairs for the Intelligence Program at Northrop Grumman. 

Janaki shares her story with the common theme of taking life by the reins as a professional, wife, mom, friend, and mentor. She is tough yet unafraid to share a laugh.

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On this week's episode of the Iron Butterfly podcast, we are proud to welcome Melissa Smislova, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A). Melissa brings decades of intelligence expertise with her, known for her work on the Soviet Union and North Korea. 

Prior to her service at DHS, she worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), earning several awards along the way such as the National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citation, the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement, and the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board (PFIAB) 1998 Killian Award. Melissa embodies what it means to be a selfless and unapologetic woman in intelligence, balancing both fierce yet nurturing attributes within the Intelligence Community.

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On this week’s episode of the Iron Butterfly podcast, we are thrilled to share the incredible story of Kristin Wood. Kristin brings with her 20 years of career experience from CIA, with service in the analysis, operations, and digital innovation directorates as she pursued transforming and building new capabilities within the agency. She was a President’s Daily Brief briefer for Vice President Cheney and his National Security Advisor, in addition to building and leading CIA’s Advanced Analyst Program, served as the Deputy Chief of a Middle East-focused operations division. She concluded her government service as the Deputy Director of the Innovation and Technology Group at the Open Source Center. 

 

Kristin is now the CEO and President of The Grist Mill Exchange, which is a platform that allows commercial data providers and government customers to connect seamlessly to acquire data and information for the use within Federal government. We are so excited to share her story.

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On this week’s episode of the Iron Butterfly, we are thrilled to welcome Stephanie La Rue, Esq. to the podcast. Stephanie is the chief of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) where she brings her passion for DEI strategy to the IC. Stephanie also represents the IC in several White House initiatives that pursue educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity in underrepresented communities. She also founded the Latino Intelligence Network, a collective of Latinx research groups across the IC. 

Stephanie serves as the CIA’s Hispanic Advisory Council Chair, and is the recipient of IC EEO and Diversity Award for Exceptional Service and CIA’s Donald Cryer Award for exemplary contributions to the agency mission. We are proud to have her on the podcast and share her truly amazing story.

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On this episode of the Iron Butterfly podcast, we are proud to welcome Nazaret Berhane to the show. Nazaret is a program manager on the IC Centers for Academic Excellence team within the IC Human Capital Office at ODNI. She brings years of experience from her time with FBI’s Foreign Language Program in addition to her service as the Directorate of Intelligence Diversity and Inclusion coordinator. She currently serves as the Women’s Intelligence Network Vice Chair. 

 

Nazaret is passionate about creating an IC inclusive to people who are eager to serve in a variety of ways, bringing their whole selves to the community. In every role, she strives to extend kindness, mentorship, and vulnerability as an immigrant with an invisible disability, showing that no label precludes someone from being an integral member of the IC. We are so proud to share her story.

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We close Season 4 with the Iron Butterfly team: Megan Jaffer, Cadie Naquin Hopkins, Amanda Young, and Liz Herndon.  We reflect on the themes of the past 4 seasons, unique moments, funniest memories, and other behind-the-scenes insights.  We also share a special message to our listeners about the future of the Iron Butterfly Podcast.  We hope you enjoy this special season finale!

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Iron Butterfly Podcast is back for part two of our season premiere with Katrina Mulligan!  Part two is just as fun as the first with Katrina diving back into her extraordinary career. 

Currently the National Security Lead at Open AI, Katrina shares her experiences as Barack Obama's paralegal before he even ran for the Senate, working on GTMO policy at the ODNI, and being Chief of Staff to the first female Secretary of the Army. Along the way, she shares some unforgettable moments and reflections. She even talks about attending Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour and making friendship bracelets with her boss!

On this special episode, the Iron Butterfly team returns to announce our new project, the first feature film documentary about women in the intelligence community. The team discusses how we got here, why this project matters, and when the podcast will return from hiatus. Tune in for some exciting updates!

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The Iron Butterfly Podcast team is back to share exciting updates and what to expect in the upcoming season premiering September 12th!

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On our season 5 premiere, we are joined by the incredible Teresa Shea. Teresa has served

more than 35 years in intelligence and defense within the public and private sector. She served

as Executive Vice President of Technology and director of Cyber-Reboot at In-Q-Tel. She joined

In-Q-Tel after a distinguished thirty-two-year career with the National Security Agency (NSA,

where she held several key leadership assignments during her career culminating as the

director of Signals Intelligence. Teresa is currently the President of Oplnet, LLC. She serves on

numerous boards and is an advisor with a passion for a safer and more secure Nation.

Join us as Teresa discusses the importance of trust as a leader, leading through difficult

situations, and the power of smiling through adversity.

Show Notes:

● (2:15) Barbie, The Movie

● (2:20) Georgia Institute of Technology

● (06:04) Edward Snowden, NSA Data leak

● (06:10) Dr Geoffery Stone, University of Chicago

○ Report and Recommendations of The President’s Review Group on Intelligence

and Communications Technologies (Dec 2013), “Liberty and Security in a Changing World”

● (7:34) NSA, Privacy and Civil Liberties Office

● (25:10) The Character of a Leader: A Handbook for the Young Leader by Donald Alexander

● (36:06) What Will Matter by Michael Josephson

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On this episode, we are joined by Sarah Mineiro, a total bad-ass self-proclaimed space nerd

and one of the funniest ladies we know. Sarah is the founder and CEO of Tanagra Enterprises,

a defense, intelligence, space, science and technology consulting firm based in the DC area.

Sarah has worked within the national security and defense sector for over 20 years. Over her

career, Sarah has worked in private industry, and across both the Executive and Legislative

branches of government.

Join us for a fun discussion ranging from Space Intelligence to Art, and Stand-Up Comedy.

Show notes:

● http://www.semineiro.com/

● (3:50) National Air and Space Intelligence Center

○ (4:38) Chinese Weather Satellite FY-1C

● (6:00) Strategic Forces Subcommittee for the House Armed Service Committee (HASC)

● (25:35) All the “C” Words, Sarah Mineiro, Capital Fringe Fest 2023 Review

● (31:30) The Butterfly Effect

● (35:00) The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

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In this special episode, hosted by Texas A&M University's The Bush School of Government & Public Service, Megan Jaffer and Cadie Hopkins conduct a live panel discussion with butterflies; Laura Thomas, Stephanie La Rue, and the Honorable Sue Gordon. The panel takes an independent look at women in the intelligence community and where they were on historic occasions, what it's like serving across administrations and political parties, and what they feel is the greatest threat to our national security today.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironbutterflymedia/

Video & Audio Production: https://poorbearstories.com/

Technical Sponsor: https://nationalsecurity.gmu.edu/

Promotion: Amazing Women of the IC

Podcast Producer: Amanda Young

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On this episode we are joined by the fierce Anjuma Goswami Karkera.  Anjuma is the CEO of a non-profit professional services organization and previously excelled in roles at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).  Tune in to hear her discuss how being bold and authentic paved the way for her journey into the Intelligence Community.  She shares insight into the power of public service and how institutions can be instruments of positive change.  Truly an episode you don’t want to miss!  

Show Notes:

05:20 Cheryl Mills, Deputy White House Counsel for President Bill Clinton 

06:25 Violence against women act (VAWA)

08:00 Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)

08:10 George Pierce

18:20 Joan Dempsey 

28:40 National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA)

35:40 Letitia “Tish” Long

44:00 General Stanley McChrystal

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On this episode we are joined by Colonel (Ret.) Jen Sovada.  Jen is the President of SandboxAQ’s Global Public Sector and previously served in the Air Force dedicating 25 years to various positions in operational test, systems interoperability, and requirements definition.  Listen in to hear her speak to the importance of building community and lifting up those around you.  And how her Grandmother, whose love of space, later influenced her drive and passion for public service and being a trailblazer.  

Show Notes:

• 4:00 US Air Force, Intelligence
• 8:00 Jack Molesworth, Royal Airforce Molesworth
• 16:40 Georgetown University 

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This episode we are joined by the amazing Tasha Jones, a U.S. Navy Veteran and Founder of Twenty39, a purpose built solutions and services partner leveraging over twenty five years’ experience in the U.S. government market space.  Tasha discusses how she transitioned from government into the business world and is an ardent supporter and champion of women in entrepreneurship and innovation.  A force to be reckoned with, we are so inspired by her tenacity and passion for enacting change and empowering others.  

Show Notes:

• 12:30 The Diplomat, Keri Russell
• 28:30 Citrine Angels
• 30:30 Hive 39
• 33:30 Unveiled GovCon Stories 

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Episode Summary:

This week we are joined by Vinita Fordham, a technology leader working at the cutting edge.  Vinita is Chief Innovation Officer for Bridge Core, LLC and previously served as an AI specialist leader at Deloitte focused on delivering and advocating for mission ready AI strategies and solutions.  She also served as a senior executive in the United States Intelligence Community.  Tune in to hear how her older brother's love for engineering encouraged and inspired her career path and how she developed a passion for the intelligence mission. 

Show Notes:

02:40 Louisiana State University (LSU) 

05:25 National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) 

08:35 Bihar, India 

12:00 In-Q-Tel (IQT) 

26:30 CIA, Digital Futures 

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On our Season Finale we are joined by the extraordinary Arlene Gaylord. Arlene has spent 32+ years at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is the Executive Assistant Director (EAD) of the Information and Technology Branch (ITB).  

She discusses a range of topics from creating effective and lasting change by using your seat at the table to similarities between the FBI and Broadway. It is no wonder that Arlene has smashed glass ceilings but even more encouraging to know that she will ensure that she is not the last. Tune in to hear her incredible story and for a truly fun episode, full of laughs.  

Show Notes:

• 02:17 Río Piedras, Puerto Rico
• 02:50 FBI, Honors Internship Program (HIP)
• 45:15 Lin Manuel Miranda, Pin Collection

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The Iron Butterfly Podcast is back and fiercer than ever! Join Megan and Cadie as they share exciting updates about the team, plans for 2024, and the new Iron Butterfly Studio.

Season 6 will premiere on March 3, 2024.

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Welcome to the Season 6 premiere of the Iron Butterfly Podcast. Megan and Cadie sit down with Kristi Scott, a lawyer with over two decades of experience in the intelligence community and national security, specializing in privacy and civil liberties law. This episode is full of laughs, and conversations ranging from reality TV to the whether or not the intelligence community is listening in to your calls. An episode you don't want to miss!

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On this episode we are joined by Uyen Dinh. Uyen is currently the VP for Government Relations and Strategy at Black Sky and served several years as a Hill Staffer in roles at the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Uyen describes herself as energetic, fun, and positive; we have no doubt you'll agree. This episode as it is full of laughs and great stories, be sure to tune in.

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On this episode we are joined by Linda Weissgold, former Deputy Director of Analysis at CIA. Our most requested guest to date, tune in to hear her realistic and candid descriptions of her time in the Intelligence Community. From briefing George W. Bush to her time as an analyst covering the Middle East, there are so many moments you won't want to miss.

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On this episode we are joined by the amazing Debora Plunkett, former Director of Information Assurance at the National Security Agency (NSA). Tune in to hear Debora discuss her illustrious career within the NSA, her time serving on the National Security Council, and what it was like working as CSI before CSI was cool.

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In this special panel episode titled See Her Be Her, hosted by Marymount University and the Marymount Intelligence Club, Megan and Cadie sit down with butterflies Carmen Medina (Rebel at Work), Arlene Gaylord (Corazón), and Stephanie La Rue (Mija). They dive into the concept if you can see her, you can be her and how they were each other’s “her.” A truly special episode full of great moments exploring the importance of diversity in the workplace, the power of authenticity, and what they would tell their younger selves.

Episode Correction - Stephanie La Rue's Bio should read : Stephanie La Rue is the chief of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, where she leads the implementation of the national DEIA strategy for the Intelligence Community. La Rue previously served as CIA's chief diversity strategist and as an attorney for CIA's Office of General Counsel. In 2016, La Rue founded the Latino Intelligence Network, a collective of Latinx Employee Resource Groups across the IC.

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On this episode we are joined by the amazing Maureen "Marty" Fromuth. Marty currently serves in the Air Force Reserves as the Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs at United States Cyber Command. Her career spans nearly 17 years in and out of government and the tech industry. Tune in to hear Marty dive into topics like Housewives, the importance of vulnerability and learning from failure.

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On this episode we are joined by Caitlin Marsh, an engineer by training but a true social engineer at heart. She is currently VP of Product at SpiderOak and has served in multiple roles across the IC. Empathetic, kind and a little bit spicy, Caitlin is an incredible mentor who isn't afraid to jump at new opportunities or try something new.

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On our Season 6 finale, we are joined by the incredible Sandra Auchter, Director of NGA Denver. A self described foreign policy wonk, she's known to listen to alternate between NPR and Wall Street Journal podcasts and Beyonce's latest music. From discussing the foundational INT to what Sandra's 'walk-out' song would be, tune in for a truly fun episode!

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This week, Intelligence and National Security Alliance invites Cadie Hopkins to record a live Iron Butterfly Podcast episode at 'The New IC' Conference with Eman Blair. Eman describes her journey from being a ‘triple minority’ in the Middle East — a refugee, a Palestinian, and a woman — to being the Chief Digital Officer at Central Intelligence Agency. Eman's story is special, and a true testament to the resilience, service, and hope held within the journeys of intelligence community women.

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Iron Butterfly Podcast is back for Season 7, and better than ever! :butterfly: On this Season 7 teaser, Megan and Cadie give a sneak peak at what’s to come this fall, along with other exciting Iron Butterfly updates and the launch of Patreon.

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Megan and Cadie travel for the first time outside the DC area to bring Iron Butterfly Podcast to Colorado Springs, hosted by University of Colorado Colorado Springs. In this ‘Beyond the Beltway” episode, Sandra Auchter (Director of National Geospatial Intelligence Agency - Denver), Jenna Seidel (Director of National Security Agency/Central Security Service - Colorado), and Rachel Leahy (Director of Special Programs at General Atomics) share their stories, experiences, and reflections on a career in intelligence.

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On this episode Megan and Cadie sit down with Jennifer Ewbank, a senior national security executive who served as Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency for Digital Innovation from 2019-early 2024. Jennifer started her career as a Case Officer and went on to serve four tours as Chief of Station and the Chief of the former National Resources Division. Tune in to hear what it's really like to be a Case Officer.

To support The Iron Butterfly Podcast, visit out Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/IronButterflyPodcast

To learn more about Iron Butterfly Media, check out our website: https://www.ironbutterflymedia.com/

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In this special live episode of the Iron Butterfly Podcast, hosted in partnership with the National Security Institute (NSI) at George Mason University, we delve into the pivotal role of women in the tech and intelligence sectors. This dynamic discussion, titled “The Future is Female,” features two esteemed guests: Rachel H. Grunspan, Deputy Chief for Strategy & Policy for the CIA, and Chandra Osann, Deputy Executive at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities within the intelligence community and offer a powerful glimpse into how women are shaping the future of national security.

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On this episode, Megan and Iron Butterfly's producer Amanda sit down with Girl Security Founder Lauren Buitta and member Kyla Guru to discuss election security and how young women and professionals are tackling this problem set.

Lauren Buitta is a seasoned National Security professional and Iron Buttefly alum, who started Girl Security in 2016, the only organization dedicated to advancing girls, women, and gender minorities in national security through supportive pathways. Kyla Guru is a technologist and social entrepreneur who has worked across the public and private sector, amplifying her mission to build a safer and healthier internet for all. She is CEO/Founder of Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education Corp., and currently pursuing her MS in Computer Science at Stanford University.

To learn more about Girl Security - https://www.girlsecurity.org/

To learn more about Kyla's non-profit Bits N Bites Cybersecurity Education Corp., - https://www.bitsnbytes.us.com/

To support The Iron Butterfly Podcast, visit out Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/IronButterflyPodcast

To learn more about Iron Butterfly Media, check out our website: https://www.ironbutterflymedia.com/

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In this episode, we sit down with Diana Burley, the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation at American University, to explore their journey in academia and research. From her time as a professor at Syracuse University to leading programs at the National Science Foundation and engaging with the Intelligence Community, Diana shares her experiences in fostering academic growth and innovation.

We discuss the challenges and rewards of her current role, balancing leadership with creativity, and the importance of resilience in both personal and professional life. Known for her thoughtfulness, humor, and generous spirit, Diana also opens up about her love for audiobooks, decorating, and spending quality time with her dog.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about navigating the world of research, leading with purpose, and the value of creating meaningful connections.

To support The Iron Butterfly Podcast, visit out Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/IronButterflyPodcast

To learn more about Iron Butterfly Media, check out our website: https://www.ironbutterflymedia.com/

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In this episode, we sit down with Marisa Lightfoot, a Senior Director at EY-Parthenon’s Strategy Practice, where she leads strategy initiatives focused on emerging technologies. With a diverse and dynamic career that spans the U.S. Army, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and even launching and selling her own tea company, Marisa shares her unique journey of growth, resilience, and innovation. From "growing a spine" in the Army to "growing up" in the world of program management, she offers insights into how each chapter shaped her approach to leadership and strategy. 

We also dive into her entrepreneurial spirit, with a conversation about her time building a hyperspectral imagery sensor for the Army, and her knack for brewing up both ideas and herbal remedies in her downtime. Whether it's wake surfing, reading, or empowering those around her, Marisa brings an energy that's both scrappy and nurturing. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about taking risks, embracing change, and finding fulfillment across diverse professional and personal pursuits.

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Iron Butterfly is currently producing the first documentary feature film about women in the intelligence community. On this special episode of Iron Butterfly Podcast, Megan and Cadie share their documentary production journey, where they are today, and how you can support.

Iron Butterfly Foundation is self-funding this feature film to ensure the truth of these stories are told, and we need your help. To support the completion of this film, give a tax deductible end of year gift to Iron Butterfly Foundation and help us reach our $50,000 fundraising goal: https://donorbox.org/iron-butterfly-foundation-2024-eoy-fundraising-campaign

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On our season 7 finale, we sit down with Shari Garcia Rozen, Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO) at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), who takes us through a fascinating career journey, from her first job as a Sales Associate at the GAP to her current pivotal role in shaping data and AI strategy for the U.S. government.

Shari shares her unique career path, which includes stints as a Private Sector Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton working in the financial sector, and how these experiences fueled her curiosity, analytical mindset, and energy to tackle some of the nation's most complex intelligence challenges. We also dive into what it means to work in the intersection of data and artificial intelligence, and the critical role these technologies play in national security.

Outside of work, Shari talks about her favorite hobbies such as hiking, traveling, crafting, and yes, sleep (it’s important!). And in a fun twist, she recounts a time she had the thrilling opportunity to drive a Ferrari at the iconic Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about curiosity, career evolution, and nerding out.

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