Girl Security and the Amazing Women of the Intelligence Community are excited to announce a partnership to provide girls, young women, and gender minorities interested in intelligence careers with expanded and dedicated support, networks, learning, and training. Through this partnership, Girl Security and AWIC will host joint skill-building and career-readiness sessions, mentoring, and community-building opportunities for interested and early career participants.
Girl Security and AWIC Leading the Way
Girl Security is preparing girls and gender minorities to advance confidently into national security’s many pathways.
By activating an ecosystem of underrepresented voices through learning, college-to-career readiness, and mentoring, Girl Security is working to forge equity in national security.
AWIC is a grassroots organization that is dedicated to the development of professional women serving the United States national security mission. AWIC brings together Amazing Women throughout the IC to support, empower, and inspire one another at all stages of their careers.
Member Feedback
A Girl Security mentor and AWIC member explained:
“As a member of both AWIC and Girl Security, I know how transformative both organizations are. In undergraduate, I deemed a career in intelligence impossible. AWIC has not only made the seemingly ‘impossible’ happen but, more importantly, has shifted my perspective dramatically. Girl Security is reaching those undergraduates, high school students, and creating a powerful ripple effect. These organizations have embedded in me the idea that every woman belongs in this space and can get there with grace. I am confident that this partnership will move mountains and illuminate a clear path for women in national security, all while shaping generations in the process.”
Founders Discuss Iron Butterfly and Future Girl Security and AWIC Plans
Megan Jaffer, one of the founding members of AWIC, first discussed the group’s history with ClearanceJobs on the Security Clearance Careers podcast (AKA ClearedCast), the progress the group has had over the last five years, and Megan’s goals with the group moving forward. She was a recipient of one of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) 10th Achievement Awards for her impact on AWIC and now hosts their very own podcast: Iron Butterfly.
Iron Butterfly is the first podcast by and for women in the US Intelligence Community, co-produced by the Amazing Women of the IC (AWIC) and National Security Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. The Iron Butterfly Podcast 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. Megan interviews America’s unsung heroines to reveal their journey in the world of spies and trailblazing new paths for women in national security.
- Iron Butterfly’s 20th episode launches TOMORROW, Tuesday, March 9th
- Iron Butterfly surpassed 10,000 episode downloads since it launched in September 2020
