WOM2102. The Unexpected Spy: An Empowering Journey from Sorority to Special Operations

Based on her upcoming memoir, Walder shares her riveting life story of a young woman who went straight from her college sorority to the CIA and, later, the FBI. She offers her unique perspective as one of the few females working in these male-dominated fields – assuming aliases, thwarting terrorist attacks, and debriefing terrorists at black sites. Taking audiences behind-the-scenes of two of America’s major intelligence agencies during the era of 9/11, Walder details insider stories including watching al-Qaeda members with drones as President Bush looked over her shoulder, searching the world for Weapons of Mass Destruction, hiding in the trunks of cars throughout the Middle East, and interrogating suicide bombers. Keeping groups on the edge of their seats, she details her transition from special operations to educator, sharing her inspiring message: don't try to change who you are to fit what you think the job wants you to be.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize your individuality as an asset rather than a career deterrent.
• Recognize the boundaries of your comfort zone and push them.