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   Long before female agents became commonplace in the CIA, Elizabeth Sudmeier quietly forged the path toward equality.

   Born in 1912 in the town of Timber Lake, South Dakota, Elizabeth was raised by her Sioux nanny to be strong, brave, and intelligent. Those traits served her well as one of the charter members of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and even more so when she joined the CIA’s clandestine services in 1951.

   In addition to being one of few women in the agency during that era, Sudmeier was the first female CIA agent to handle assets in a foreign field, conduct a full-cycle recruitment, and earn the Intelligence Medal of Merit.

   In September 2013, Sudmeier posthumously received the Trailblazer Award from the CIA; reserved for “CIA officers whose leadership, achievements, and dedication to mission had a significant impact on the agency’s history and legacy.” 

   Elizabeth Sudmeier’s niece, Ginny Benson, will share the story of Elizabeth’s early life and her time at the CIA at the Dale and Harriet Jones Walker Public Library on March 4th at 6:00 pm. Ginny will show photos and memorabilia and bring history to life. 

   Call or email the library to register for this free event at 218-547-1019 or [email protected]. Read more about Elizabeth’s life as a spy in the book “Wise Gals” by Nathalia Holt, available at the library.

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