Her Story
About Gina
Gina M. Bennett serves as Director of the Design Lab at Girl Security, a nonprofit organization focused on redefining security through the lenses of autonomy, agency, resilience, and the lived experiences of women throughout history. With more than 34 years of service in the intelligence community, Gina retired from the Central Intelligence Agency in 2022 after a distinguished career that included contributing to early warnings on Al-Qaeda and supporting global counterterrorism efforts. Following her retirement, she transitioned from her volunteer involvement with Girl Security into a full-time leadership role, where she continues to advance innovative approaches to national security education and strategy.
In her role at Girl Security, Gina applies her extensive expertise in analytic tradecraft, intelligence analysis, and strategic thinking to help civil society organizations, universities, and high schools strengthen critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities for an increasingly complex and uncertain world. She is dedicated to expanding the traditional understanding of security by emphasizing the importance of human-centered approaches, ethical leadership, and the ability to adapt to emerging challenges. Through her work, she empowers individuals and communities to develop the skills and perspectives needed to create more resilient futures.
Gina also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, where she teaches graduate students and explores broader concepts of national security, ethics, and strategic thinking. In addition to her professional contributions in intelligence and education, she is an accomplished author of historical fiction spy thrillers, using storytelling as another avenue to explore complex security issues and human experiences. Gina’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to public service, knowledge sharing, and cultivating the next generation of leaders in national and global security.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a sustained belief in the mission, a strong dedication to service, and a commitment to maintaining disciplined analytical practices. Throughout my career, I have been guided by purpose, integrity, and a desire to make a meaningful impact. I have also been fortunate to work alongside exceptional colleagues whose expertise, collaboration, and shared commitment to excellence have contributed greatly to my professional growth and achievements.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the national security field to explore the many opportunities available and recognize that security work extends far beyond traditional roles. It is important to engage and inspire girls early by exposing them to the diverse career paths within the industry and helping them understand the meaningful impact they can have. By broadening the perception of what national security work encompasses, we can empower more women to pursue careers where their perspectives, skills, and leadership are valued.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field today is the erosion of critical thinking skills and the rapid pace of technological change, including advancements in artificial intelligence. These shifts require us to continuously adapt while maintaining rigorous analytical standards and sound judgment. At the same time, they present a significant opportunity to strengthen education, teach disciplined analytic tradecraft, and expand society’s understanding of what security encompasses. By embracing innovation while preserving thoughtful analysis, we can build a more informed and resilient future.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are knowledge sharing, resilience, autonomy, critical thinking, and a commitment to public service. I believe that sharing knowledge strengthens teams, empowers others, and contributes to better decision-making. Resilience allows me to navigate challenges with determination, while autonomy encourages ownership, accountability, and innovation. Above all, I remain committed to applying thoughtful analysis and informed judgment to support meaningful outcomes and serve the greater good.
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