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IN TRUE FACE
The bestselling coauthor of The Moscow Rules and Argo tells her riveting, courageous story of being a female spy at the height of the Cold War.
DESCRIPTION
The bestselling coauthor of The Moscow Rules and Argo tells her riveting, courageous story of being a female spy at the height of the Cold War
Jonna Hiestand Mendez began her CIA career as a “contract wife” performing secretarial duties for the CIA as a convenience to her husband, a young officer stationed in Europe. She needed his permission to open a bank account or shut off the gas to their apartment. Yet Mendez had a talent for espionage, too, and she soon took on bigger and more significant roles at the Agency. She parlayed her interest in photography into an operational role overseas, an unlikely area for a woman in the CIA. Often underestimated, occasionally undermined, she lived under cover and served tours of duty all over the globe, rising first to become an international spy and ultimately to Chief of Disguise at CIA’s Office of Technical Service.
In True Face recounts not only the drama of Mendez’s high-stakes work—how this savvy operator parlayed her “everywoman” appeal into incredible subterfuge—but also the grit and good fortune it took for her to navigate a misogynistic world. This is the story of an incredible spy career and what it took to achieve it.
Visit JonnaMendez.com to purchase the book, read reviews, and learn about her remarkable 27-year career, for which she earned the CIA’s Intelligence Commendation Medal. Stay updated with upcoming book tour events and browse through intriguing image and video galleries.
BOOKS
The Mendez’s have written five books, In True Face, The Moscow Rules, Argo, Spy Dust, and The Master of Disguise, which are currently available on this site. These books are highly recommended reading for new recruits in the US Intelligence Community, and are part of the curriculum at Universities and in the Intelligence Community.
TONY & JONNA MENDEZ
Tony and Jonna Mendez are former CIA Intelligence Officers with 52 years of combined service. Both served as the CIA’s Chief of Disguise. On the CIA’s 50th anniversary, Tony was chosen as one of the CIA’s top 50 officers for its first 50 years.
PAST EVENTS
For upcoming speaking events events, book talks and discussions about the world of espionage and spy craft, visit JonnaMendez.com.
The Moscow Rules with Jonna Mendez
The Moscow Rules: The Secret CIA Tactics That Helped America Win the Cold War
Jonna Mendez: Inside the CIA and the Moscow Rules
INTERVIEWS
For the latest news, events, and interviews, visit JonnaMendez.com.
Wired: Former CIA Chief of Disguise Breaks Down Cold War Spy Gadgets
Former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez talks about some of the tactics, gadgets and disguises CIA operatives used in the field during the Cold War.
SPY Museum: Spies & Spymasters Virtual Happy Hour Recording
[Video recording] We love sorting out fact and fiction in spy movies at the Spy Museum. But how about when Hollywood stars are the spies? Join us tonight for some unusual celebrity gossip at this virtual happy hour! We’ll tell you some of our favorite stories about operatives who loved the limelight more than the shadows—your mission: shake up the perfect cocktail or mocktail.
Atlas Obscura: Meet a Former CIA Chief of Disguise
Meet Jonna Mendez, the former CIA Chief of Disguise (a real job!). During her tenure, Mendez oversaw the equipment used by spies to conceal their identities, including a five-second mask, which had been inspired by Hollywood. The technology, developed over a period of 10 years, allowed for facial movement—and, unlike its cinematic counterparts, which required hours in the makeup chair, it could be put on and removed at a moment’s notice. Listen to Mendez explain the ins and outs of this unique piece of spy technology.
SPY Museum: Spies & Spymasters Virtual Happy Hour
We love sorting out fact and fiction in spy movies at the Spy Museum. But how about when Hollywood stars are the spies? Join us tonight for some unusual celebrity gossip at this virtual happy hour! We’ll tell you some of our favorite stories about operatives who loved the limelight more than the shadows—your mission: shake up the perfect cocktail or mocktail.
Brut UK: Interview with a real female spy
“Did I ever sleep with someone to get intelligence?” Jonna Mendez can’t stand films about female spies. The reason? She was a real one.
The Cyberwire – Hacking Humans – Wearing a mask in the Oval Office
Joe shares his Classic Cons Part 3, Dave has an Apple device scam story, The Catch of the Day is your assassination heads-up, and later in the show our interview with Jonna Mendez, retired CIA intelligence officer and former Chief of Disguise.
Beyond Speaking – Jonna Mendez – The CIA Experience
In-depth conversations with the world’s most in-demand keynote speakers. Learn valuable secret insights from some of today’s best presenters and experts in business, leadership and more.
Throomers: COVID-19: The Unseen Enemy
Living undercover for years, Jonna Mendez has served tours of duty around the world and became the CIA’s chief of disguise. She’s helped steal a top-secret encryption machine from a Soviet Embassy and helped America win the Cold War. Now, the coronavirus is threatening Americans and everyone worldwide. We’ve asked Mendez for her insights on this unseen enemy.
SPY Museum Curator’s Corner: Spy Writer Roundtable
What do intelligence professionals do when they stop being intelligence professionals? Some ride off into a well-deserved retirement, sipping fruity drinks while lounging on a tropical beach. Others move into the private sector and help corporate America negotiate the global marketplace.
