Jonna Mendez

Jonna Mendez is a former Chief of Disguise at the Central Intelligence Agency's Office of Technical Service, often compared to the fictional Q from Ian Fleming's spy novels. Mendez began her CIA career performing secretarial duties and transitioned into an operational role overseas, leveraging her expertise in photography and espionage. She ultimately rose to Chief of Disguise, overseeing operational disguise responsibilities in challenging Cold War environments, including Havana, Beijing, Moscow, and the Oval Office. Mendez received the CIA's Intelligence Commendation Medal for her 27-year career.

Mendez was promoted to Deputy Chief of the Disguise Division and later to Chief of Disguise, where she managed a multi-million dollar program with a global staff. Her work included developing advanced disguise technologies, such as a five-second mask inspired by Hollywood, which allowed for rapid identity changes and facial movement. One notable demonstration of her expertise occurred in the Oval Office, where she briefed the president while wearing a mask, successfully concealing her identity.

Throughout her tenure at the Central Intelligence Agency, Mendez advanced from secretary to Chief of Disguise, contributing to advancements in spycraft, surveillance, and identity concealment. Alongside her late husband, fellow CIA officer Antonio Mendez, she co-authored "Spy Dust," a book detailing their work against the Soviets in Moscow. She is also the co-author of "Argo" and "The Moscow Rules."

As an author, speaker, lecturer, and teacher, Mendez shares insights from her intelligence career in her memoir, "In True Face: A Woman's Life in the CIA, Unmasked." The book explores her experiences in espionage, disguise technology, and navigating a male-dominated field. After retiring from the CIA, Mendez served on the board of directors for the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. She has delivered lectures at institutions such as West Point, Sorbonne University, the Pompidou Centre, and the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency at the Joint Military Intelligence College, as well as at World Affairs Councils and international conferences.