Fort Schuyler Magazine - Spring 2022

ideological enemy lines. While she did not directly distribute the materials, this is the type of work that her department handled. Her work, in conjunction with that of her colleagues in other departments, agencies, and nations is what eventually saw the fall of the Iron Curtain.

and could not get away with. Her tact and discretion helped her rise to the position of Regimental Adjutant. Being the only Black female on campus came with its challenges, but her perseverance made her a pioneer, paving the way for other women in underrepresented groups to follow and find their place in the industry. Her decision to attend Maritime was not

Her continued success prompted the CIA to send Lisa back to school full-time for a master’s degree in Public

without its fair share of difficulties. The industry was not yet ready for racial and gender integration. Through the support of her friends, classmates, and

Administration from The George Washington University. Armed with her MPA, Lisa’s career in the CIA saw her working in various departments such as technical, budgeting, human resources, counterterrorism. The capstone of her career was supporting the production of the President’s Daily Brief. Lisa is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement with her beau living near her family outside of Washington, DC. Her time is well spent with family, being involved in her Reformed Temple, and enjoying some peace and quiet. Lisa’s career highlights the flexibility of a Maritime education. She entered Maritime with the knowledge that, as a female Cadet, she could not receive a USCG license. She credits her success at Maritime with her success in a career that few pursue – the CIA.

instructor she graduated, but not with the intended degree in Meteorology. Instead, she switched to business when she realized that Meteorology was not quite the field for her. She took a position at Conoco Shipping Co., as one of the first women to be hired as an economic analyst. She left Conoco to attend Harvard Business School but ended up leaving before graduating when she realized that big business was not her calling. She is quick to counsel others that there is nothing wrong with trying something and when you find that it is not for you, to move on. No one will think less of you. It is ok to make a mistake, learn from it, grow, and then take that lesson with you. When the opportunity to apply for and work for the CIA came, she answered the call to serve her country. She was hired as an analytics transportation analyst, then, on a life-changing day, she ran into a fellow Maritime alum who also worked in the Maritime Branch of the CIA. Both being surprised to see each other they discussed their current roles. Lisa, having the qualifications and determination to work there, switched departments. This change was monumental. She went from a desk job to working in paramilitary operations. One could imagine her parachuting behind Soviet lines, shooting herself out of a submarine torpedo tube, or digging a tunnel to get to where she needed to be - but all one can do is imagine her work as Lisa cannot share with us exactly what she did. Lisa’s lateral move enabled her to communicate with those behind the Iron Curtain, to show them that there is a different way of life outside of Communism and Authoritarianism. From pamphlets to books, she would share Western ideas and ideals across

Lisa proudly display the proclamation she received from NYS Senator Alessandra Biaggi.

Fort Schuyler Spring 2022 | 31