Gender and International Security

Smart Women, Smart Power is celebrating its ten-year anniversary with a keynote kick-ff featuring HON Kathleen H. Hicks, Deputy Secretary of Defense, following by a panel that explores women’s leadership during Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

HON Kathleen H. Hicks, Deputy Secretary of Defense, will join Smart Women, Smart Power to discuss her approach to the world’s simultaneous challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine crisis and China, and more.

Have you ever wondered how Washington’s most influential policy leaders got their start? Join the Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Project and explore Washington's most prominent policy trailblazers' exhilarating personal and professional journeys.

Have you ever wondered how Washington’s most influential policy leaders got their start? Join the Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Project and explore Washington's most prominent policy trailblazers' exhilarating personal and professional journeys.

Funmi Oludaiye, Managing Director (Global Head of Engineering), at Goldman Sachs, discusses how she advanced her career in STEM through hard work, mentorship, and relationship building.

Mellody Hobson joins Smart Women, Smart Power for a discussion on how she strives to close the racial wealth gap and create a better public understanding of financial literacy.

The Honorable Sue Gordon joins CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power for a conversation on her career in the CIA, including her time in the CIA during the 2012 Benghazi attacks, all while balancing it all as a mother of two.

Laura Modi, co-founder/CEO of Bobbie, joins Dr. Kathleen McInnis and Lauren Bedula for a discussion on how her company was defined during a national infant formula shortage, including how symbolic it is to everything broken in our society for parents.

Irene Fellin, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, joins Dr. Kathleen McInnis to discuss what’s on her mind as NATO celebrates its 75th year and heads in to the Washington Summit.

Michele Walsh, Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer, at UNICEF USA, joins Smart Women, Smart Power to discuss her role at UNICEF USA.