Smart Women, Smart Power

SWSP is creating space for women in one of the most powerful decision-making spaces in the world: national security and foreign affairs

The Smart Women, Smart Power (SWSP) Initiative has a simple starting point: people are policy. We are committed to creating a platform for respectful and inclusive discussion of the many ways in which women influence and impact the international security, foreign policy and business agendas. The Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative launched in December 2014.

Contact Information

  • Alexis Day
  • Program Manager, Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative and Outreach Manager, International Security Program
  • aday@csis.org

Featured Podcasts

Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast

The Only Woman on the Abraham Accords Team

On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Morgan Ortagus who walked us through her role in the historic Abraham Accords, and more!

Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — April 12, 2023

See all podcast episodes by the SWSP Podcast

Featured Events

All Smart Women, Smart Power Content

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Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast

We’re on a Summer Break!

The Smart Women, Smart Power podcast is taking a summer break to refresh and recharge.

Podcast Episode — July 5, 2023

CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power
Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast

The Pentagon Puzzle

Kari Bingen, director of the Aerospace Security Project and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at CSIS, discussed the Pentagon’s organizational design.

Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — June 28, 2023

CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power
Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast

Academia vs. the Policy World

Dr. Heather Williams, director of the Project on Nuclear Issues and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at CSIS, joins to discuss leaving academia for policy.

Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — June 21, 2023

CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power
Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast

“Employee No.1” in Homeland Security

Ashley Davis, former Special Assistant to the Director of Homeland Security, discussed her experience in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, including her role in the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — June 14, 2023

CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power
Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast

How to Strike a Deal

Judith Batty, former Senior Counsel at ExxonMobil and interim CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, discusses her dynamic career.

Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — June 7, 2023

CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power

POSTPONED: Navigating the Maritime Domain: A Conversation with Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Vice Chief of Naval Operations of the U.S. Navy

On Monday, June 5, 2023, Smart Women, Smart Power will host Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Vice Chief of Naval Operations of the U.S. Navy, for a virtual discussion on the U.S. Navy’s priorities as it upholds the international rules-based order and protects U.S. interests across the maritime domain, including in the Indo-Pacific and Europe.

Event by Kelsey Hartigan and Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti — June 5, 2023

Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast

The Hollywood Episode

Writer and producer, Chris Levinson, joins SWSP to discuss the relationship between Hollywood and Washington D.C.

Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — May 31, 2023

CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power
Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast

Why Male Allies Matter

SWSP is joined by its first-ever male guest, Don Steinberg, to discuss his role as an ally for women in a multitude of spaces. 

Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — May 24, 2023

CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power
Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast

Crunching the Numbers: Mathematician to CEO

Mollie Breen, CEO and Co-Founder of Perygee, discusses how her STEM background influences her leadership style.

Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — May 17, 2023

CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power
Smart Women, Smart Power Podcast

Mental Resilience: Deploying Tech for Navy SEALS

Shannon Clark joins SWSP to discuss her role in deploying technology for mental resilience in U.S. Navy SEALS.

Podcast Episode by Kathleen McInnis — May 10, 2023

CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power