On February 4, 2025, the Vanderbilt University Institute of National Security welcomed award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Liza Mundy to campus for a day of thought-provoking discussions with students and faculty. As part of the Lecture Series on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats, Mundy shared her research on the untold stories of women who shaped national security history.
Mundy, the author of five books, is best known for The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA, which sheds light on the groundbreaking women who defied barriers to serve in the CIA, and Code Girls, a bestselling account of American women codebreakers who played a pivotal role in World War II.
During her visit, Mundy joined General (Ret.) Paul M. Nakasone, Founding Director of the Institute of National Security, in Vanderbilt Professor Brett Benson’s Introduction to International Politics and East Asia Political Science classes. She shared how she uncovered the hidden contributions of women in intelligence and cybersecurity.
Mundy’s journey to writing Code Girls began when she stumbled upon a declassified article detailing how American schoolteachers were recruited to break enemy codes during World War II. That discovery led her to uncover the broader, untold history of women codebreakers. After publishing Code Girls, she continued exploring the role of women in intelligence and became a visiting scholar at the National Security Agency (NSA) while researching The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA. At the time, General Nakasone was serving as the Director of the NSA, making their conversation a rare and insightful exchange on the intersections of journalism, history, and national security.
Students engaged both speakers in a dynamic Q&A, with one standout question: “What is the one trait that made a difference in your field?”
- Mundy emphasized persistence and curiosity, as well as the ability to put up with rejection and criticism.
- Nakasone pointed to grit and being so dedicated that few people could outwork him.
In the afternoon, Mundy was the featured guest of the Lecture Series on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats, participating in a fireside chat with General Nakasone. The event concluded with a book signing and reception, giving attendees the opportunity to engage with the esteemed author.
Mundy’s visit provided invaluable insights into the often-overlooked contributions of women in national security—stories that continue to inspire the next generation of leaders at Vanderbilt and beyond.
Learn more about the Lecture Series.