CIA Whistleblower Rachel Cuda on Sexual Assault, Military Service, and Fighting for Accountability cover art

CIA Whistleblower Rachel Cuda on Sexual Assault, Military Service, and Fighting for Accountability

CIA Whistleblower Rachel Cuda on Sexual Assault, Military Service, and Fighting for Accountability

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Summary: What happens when your dream job becomes the place where you have to fight to be believed?In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Rachel Cuda, a former undercover CIA officer, military contractor, Navy SEAL daughter, and SEAL spouse. Rachel shares what it was like growing up in the military community, marrying back into the SEAL world, and stepping into her dream role at the CIA. After experiencing sexual assault at CIA headquarters, Rachel faced fear, pushback, and isolation from the system she had trusted. With support from her husband, family, coworkers, and legal team, she took her story to law enforcement and Congress. Her courage helped move major reform forward for survivors inside the intelligence community.In this episode, we cover: Rachel Cuda’s childhood as the daughter of a Navy SEAL Meeting and marrying her husband, a Navy SEAL officer The unseen sacrifices of military spouses Advocating for her husband’s health during his SEAL career Rachel’s dream of serving at the CIA What CIA culture felt like as a woman The sexual assault Rachel experienced at CIA headquarters Reporting the assault and being told not to go outside the agency Going to law enforcement and Congress Her message to survivors: you did nothing wrongNotable Quotes & Moments: “There’s no way in which we get to an appropriate reasoning to strangle a woman in her workplace ever.” Rachel Cuda on the assault she experienced at CIA headquarters [00:23:49]“I do not feel safe.” Rachel Cuda on asking for basic protection after reporting the assault [00:32:44]“You do not quit that place. You hold every single last one of them accountable.” Rachel’s father encouraging her to keep fighting [00:36:09]“If not you, then who?” Rachel’s attorney before she briefed Congress [00:39:17]“I’m never out of the fight.” Rachel on the words she repeated to keep going [00:42:58]“There is no shame in this. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Rachel’s message to survivors [00:55:38]Episode highlights: 00:02:04 - Meet Rachel Cuda and her story of service, identity, and accountability 00:03:21 - Growing up as the daughter of a Navy SEAL 00:04:30 - Marrying a Navy SEAL and returning to the SEAL community 00:07:09 - Life as a SEAL spouse while keeping her own identity 00:11:38 - Advocating for her husband’s health during his SEAL career 00:15:21 - Rachel’s path to her dream role at the CIA 00:19:47 - The assault at CIA headquarters 00:28:01 - Being told not to go to law enforcement 00:37:47 - Taking the case to Congress and pushing for accountability 00:48:29 - Retaliation, being fired, and continuing the fight for survivorsAbout Rachel Cuda: Rachel Cuda is a former undercover CIA officer, current military contractor, Navy SEAL daughter, and SEAL spouse. Her life has been shaped by service, family, and a deep belief in doing what is right. After experiencing sexual assault at CIA headquarters, Rachel reported what happened, pushed back against institutional silence, and took her case to law enforcement and Congress. Her testimony helped drive major legislative reform for sexual assault reporting inside the intelligence community. Today, Rachel continues to speak for survivors and reminds them that they are not alone, they are not to blame, and their stories matter. Connect + Learn MoreInstagram: @rachel.cudaLinkedIn: Rachel CudaRAINN National Sexual Assault HotlineCall 800-656-HOPE (4673)Or chat online at rainn.org (24/7, confidential)Safe Helpline (for military service members)Call 877-995-5247Or visit safehelpline.org (24/7, confidential)National Domestic Violence HotlineCall 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788thehotline.org (24/7 support)Veterans Crisis LineDial 988, then press 1Or text 838255veteranscrisisline.net (24/7, confidential)Emergency: If you are in immediate danger, call 911Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou aren’t alone.If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.
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