Michele Rigby Assad joined the CIA in January 2002 and spent a decade working as an undercover intelligence officer in the National Clandestine Service. Specializing in counterterrorism and counterintelligence, Michele worked in several hot-spots, including Iraq at the height of the war. To date, Michele has lived in six countries and traveled to over 40 others.
Michele is a public speaker, trainer, and international security consultant focused on the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and Asia. She holds a masters degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and a political science degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University.