Meet “the Wise Gals”— five women employed by the US government who moved around the globe like shadows during World War II and the tense post-war period of the 1950s and ‘60s.
Nathalia Holt, a New York Times-bestselling author, has brought their lives into the light with her new book WISE GALS: The Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage. No one except their immediate superiors knew the exact nature of their work; even their families were in the dark. But though they appeared to live ordinary lives as secretaries and clerks, their jobs were far more complex and exponentially more dangerous than anyone could imagine. These women were American spies at a critical time in history, and each played a vital role on the international stage. Dubbed the "Wise Gals” for their sharp humor, intuition, and inventiveness, these women took on dangerous espionage assignments, risking their lives to defend national security. Join us for a conversation with Holt about these remarkable intelligence officers who brought fresh energy and subtle skills to critical operations in WWII and the Cold War.
Following the discussion, you’ll be able to ask questions via our online platform.
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