Women in Intelligence and National Security (WINS) is a diverse student-led organization that seeks to enhance the merit of its members in the intelligence field and affiliated professions, by empowering them with the necessary tools to realize their future personal and professional ambitions.
The purpose of WINS is:
- To educate its members about the importance of inclusion and diversity in the US Intelligence, National Security, Military and Law Enforcement Communities through constructive dialogue;
- To empower its members by providing them with the necessary tools to develop leadership, team-building, and personal/professional networking skills;
- To enhance the confidence of its members by promoting the ideals of support and solidarity;
- To facilitate connections between future intelligence professionals and current members of the US Intelligence, National Security, Military and Law Enforcement Communities who support the principles of this organization.
2022-2023 WINS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
President: Sarah Gabriel
Hometown: Boston, MA
Major Degree: Intelligence and Security Studies
Minor Degrees: Geographic Information Systems; Criminology
Reason for Joining WINS: “In WINS, members have a safe space with like-minded individuals looking to grow their skill sets and promote inclusion both inside and outside of the organization. Upon membership, I have gained confidence, leadership, and a diverse network that will last a lifetime.”
Vice President: Alexa McMichael
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Major Degree: Intelligence and Security Studies
Minor Degree(s): International Business; Islamic Studies
Reason for Joining WINS: “As a woman striving towards a male dominated field, I joined WINS to promote and support diversity within the Intelligence Community. This organization has ushered me through the rigorous INTEL program here at Coastal and has prepared me to become successful in my future career.”
Vice President of Finance: Geena Schwartz
Hometown: Vienna, VA
Major Degree: Intelligence and Security Studies
Minor Degree: Criminology
Reason for Joining WINS: “I wanted to be a part of an organization that promotes diversity in the intelligence community. WINS has helped me prepare for my future while engaging in a professional workspace.”
Communications Officer: Sierra Mason
Hometown: Bedford, VA
Major Degree: Intelligence and Security Studies
Minor Degrees: Peace/Conflict Studies, Engineering, Criminology
Reason for Joining WINS: “I joined WINS to become a part of a community that promotes diversity and inclusion in the intelligence community. Being a woman studying to become a member of this male-dominated field, I recognize the importance of advocating this issue with an organization that holds the same ideals.”
Records Officer: Giovanna Costantiello
Hometown: Bristol, CT
Major Degree: Political Science
Minor Degree: Intelligence and Security Studies
Reason for Joining WINS: “With WINS I am able to work along with the community for diversity in the intelligence community. WINS is constantly pushing for a better future and it’s message is something I am happy and proud to be a part of.”
Recruitment Officer: Jaime Fleming
Hometown: West Chester, PA
Major Degree: Intelligence and Security Studies
Minor Degrees: Criminology; Dramatic Arts
Reason for Joining WINS: “I wanted to be part of an organization that empowered individuals of various backgrounds to pursue careers within the intelligence community. WINS has allowed me to make valuable connections and grow my professional experience for future aspirations.”
Sophomore Ambassador: Brianna Edwards
Hometown: Herndon, VA
Major Degree: Intelligence and Security Studies
Minor Degree(s): Statistics; Chinese
Reason for Joining WINS: “I initially joined WINS to push myself out of my comfort zone and to meet new people. WINS has not only done that, but it has also given me a desire to advocate for diversity in the Intelligence Community.”
Sophomore Ambassador: Aubrey Belanger
Hometown: Greer, SC
Major Degree: Intelligence and Security Studies
Minor Degree: Peace and Conflict Studies
Reason for Joining WINS: “WINS is an organization that I was excited to join to get out of my comfort zone and engage with like-minded people. Joining this community has enabled me to gain new skills to prepare for my future, as well as learn more about diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Bridget Rose Nolan
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Nolan is an Assistant Professor of Intelligence and National Security at Coastal Carolina University. She completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Texas at El Paso’s National Security Studies Institute. She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania and her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Princeton University. She is also a former counterterrorism analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency.
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Joseph Fitsanakis
Hometown: Rethymno, Crete
Dr. Fitsanakis is Professor of Intelligence and Security Studies and Director of the Intelligence Operations Command Center at Coastal Carolina University. He has taught and written extensively on intelligence policy and practice, intelligence collection, and information security. Prior to joining CCU in 2015, he built the Security and Intelligence Studies program at King University, where he also directed the King Institute for Security and Intelligence Studies.
Official WINS Mascot: Abby Nolan
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Abby Nolan is an 8-year-old goldendoodle from the Philadelphia area. Before becoming the official WINS mascot, Abby made her stage debut as “Sandy” in a recent high school production of “Annie.” Abby loves to eat cheese, peanut butter, and some of whatever you’re having. She especially loves her Lambchop stuffed animal, getting scritches, and playing tug-of-sock. Most of all, Abby loves you.
PAST EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
President: Casey Mazzone
Hometown: Hagerstown, MD
Major Degree: Intelligence and Security Studies
Minor Degree(s): Political Science
Reason for Joining WINS: “In a male dominant career field, I love the environment that WINS creates, and its goal to inspire diversity in the Intelligence Community. I have made valuable connections that help guide me to where I want to be professionally. I want to be the same role model for other students.”
President: Piper Danzek
Hometown: Simi Valley, CA
Major Degree: Intelligence & Security Studies
Minor Degree: Peace & Conflict Studies; Applied Ethics Certificate
Reason for Joining WINS: “I strongly support the ideals of the WINS organization and sought it out upon starting at CCU. Through WINS I have been able to make valuable connections as well as grow professionally.”
Vice President: Jared Gott
Hometown: Annapolis, MD
Major Degree: Intelligence & Security Studies
Minor Degree(s): Political Science, certificate in American Studies
Reason for Joining WINS: “I believe it is an important aspect for men to promote this organization. WINS welcomes all members regardless of gender, so long as they have an open perspective regarding women in the intelligence field.”
Vice President of Finance: Hannah Clegg
Hometown: Los Alamos, NM
Major Degree: Intelligence & Security Studies
Minor Degree(s): Language & Intercultural Studies, Middle East Studies
Reason for Joining WINS: “As I work to enter a field where I am in the minority, I appreciate the environment of WINS. The people here share a passion for equality and provide a great social network.”
Communications Officer: Ana Maria Lankford
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, SC
Major Degree: Intelligence & Security Studies
Minor Degree(s): Criminology and Spanish
Reason for Joining WINS: “I strongly support diversity and inclusion in the US intelligence community. Engaging with people who share similar aspirations inspires me to constantly work to improve my own skills.”
President: Riley McCormick
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Major Degree: Intelligence & National Security Studies
Minor Degree(s): Women and Gender Studies
Reason for Joining WINS: “This organization has been a part of my life since the first semester of my freshman year at CCU. It has guided me through the Intel program and helped me feel more confident in the classroom.”
Recruitment Officer: Sydney Sanker
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
Major Degree: Intelligence & National Security Studies
Minor Degree(s): Criminology
Reason for Joining WINS: “I joined because I wanted to prove to myself that I can go out of my comfort zone. I have grown more confident since joining. This organization has guided me throughout my college career and has given me valuable advice for my future.”
Vice President: Kaitlin Presnell
Hometown: Johnson City, TN
Major Degree: Intelligence & National Security Studies
Minor Degree(s): Religious Studies; Islamic Studies
Reason for Joining WINS: “WINS has helped me find a support system through the friends I have made here, and it has pushed me to be the very best version of myself. I have been able to make helpful connections that have aided in my success and made me feel more confident overall.”
Vice President of Communications: Kayla Hall
Hometown: Annapolis, MD
Major Degree: Intelligence & National Security Studies
Minor Degree(s): Political Science and History
Reason for Joining WINS: “This organization has provided support for minority groups that normally are not necessarily associated with the typical idea of an intelligence agent/analyst. As a female and a person of color, being able to make a change and increase diversity in this field, while also making new friends, means a lot to me.”
Vice President of Finance: Alana Tellier
Hometown: Barkhamsted, CT
Major Degree: Intelligence & National Security Studies
Minor Degree(s): Computer Science
Reason for Joining WINS: “After attending the Intelligence and National Security Conference hosted by WINS, I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of this group. Since joining, WINS has provided me with connections and networking opportunities, while allowing me to be surrounded by like-minded people.”
Recruitment Officer: Morgan-McKay Hoppmann
Hometown: Dalzell, SC
Major Degree: Intelligence & National Security Studies
Minor Degree(s): Creative Writing
Reason for Joining WINS: “WINS has given me an opportunity to connect with other like-minded students through its commitment to developing professional skills and providing a support network for students in the INSS major.”
PAST FACULTY MENTORS
Faculty Mentor: Dr. LaMesha Craft
Hometown: Lynchburg, VA
Dr. Craft holds a doctorate in public policy and administration with a concentration in homeland security policy and coordination. She joined the CCU staff in 2018. Before full-time teaching, she served 20 years of active duty in the U.S. Army as an All-Source Intelligence Warrant Officer. She has provided strategic and operational intelligence analysis of nation-state and non-state threats to U.S. interests, policy, data, and networks in/around Asia, Europe, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, Southwest Asia. She has also worked overseas in Kosovo, Germany, Kuwait, and Iraq. While in the military she developed training and doctrine on how to conduct all-source intelligence analysis in the cyber domain. Dr. Craft has presented research in conferences and webinars on the threats of agro-terrorism and the potential for anomie; setting the conditions for community development and competence during crises; and emerging threats during post-normal times. She is also the co-author of a book focused on innovative methods and applications for creating comprehensive environmental education programs that support sustainability practices.
WOMEN IN INTELLIGENCE & NATIONAL SECURITY 