Gender equality within the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) and national security realm relies on buy-in from the entire community. These topics are not just women’s issues, but community wide problems. While having a conversation with members from both the private and public sector, INSA felt that there was a need for a conference that focused on women engaging in a positive dialogue with men in the room.

INSA hosted “The New IC: Empowering Women and Engaging Men” Symposium to provide a forum for discussion about the current environment for women in the intelligence community that engaged men in the conversation. The inaugural full-day conference attached a diverse set of people with all levels of experience. The event provided a positive interchange on women’s role in the IC and identified tangible action items that attendees could apply to their careers.

Media Coverage

What Does it Take to Succeed in the New Intelligence Community?

McKinsey & Company senior advisor Maisha Glover recently spoke about nontraditional backgrounds and skillsets for intelligence careers at The New IC: Empowering Women and Engaging Men; a standing-room-only event focused on professional issues women and men face in the intelligence community.

PPDNI Sue Gordon Delivers Keynote on Leadership in "The New IC"

"You must be a technology and you must be a data servant," the principal deputy director of national intelligence told an early-morning audience at INSA's "The New IC" symposium on Thursday, May 17, 2018. "Those who cannot lead in technology will not be great leaders."

Opening Keynote: Sue Gordon

Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Sue Gordon delivered a personal, uplifting keynote on the leadership qualities women and men must embrace in "The New IC." 

Getting to the Next Step: Learning to Lead

This panel explored the social views and distinctions between ambitious women and men, specifically in the challenges faced in the high-stakes environment of national security. 

From a Moment to a Movement: "Amazing Women of the IC"

Amazing Women of the IC (AWIC) founders discuss why they began this self-organizing group and what they did to create such a strong sense of sisterhood within the Intelligence Community.

Mother, Daughter, Sister, Spy Luncheon Discussion

The "Mother, Daughter, Sister, Spy" luncheon, presented by the International Spy Museum, featured three former intelligence officers that shared their professional experiences.

Women in Technology: Bridging the Gap

Four women who have succeeded in technology-centered careers discuss why it is crucial to encourage, empower, and advance women in the technology field. 

The Mentoring Relationship: Men as Allies

This panel explores the vital professional partnership women and men must have to advance equality in the IC. Panelists will discuss their experiences as mentors and the importance of fostering a diverse workforce. 

Afternoon Keynote: Lynn Dugle

Lynn Dugle, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Engility, shares personal and professional lessons she has learned on her journey through the male-dominated field of corporate leadership.