A recent News@Northeastern article details the life and accomplishment of Zandra Flemister, Northeastern alum known for being the first Black woman to serve in the Secret Service. Flemister began in the Secret Service in 1974, one year after graduating from Northeastern with a degree in Political Science. She was appointed as a special agent in the Washington field office until her resignation from the Secret Service in June 1978. Flemister experienced rampant racial discrimination during her time, causing her to leave for the U.S Foreign Service, serving on postings across the globe. In a statement acknowledging Flemister’s accomplishments, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said, “The strength of the Secret Service is predicated on the diversity and experience of our workforce. Special Agent Flemister was a trailblazer who dedicated her life to service and inspired a future generation of agents.” After a prolific career in public service and battling Alzheimer’s, Flemister passed away on February 21st. Her legacy has been cemented as a trailblazer, paving a path for other women of color in the historically white Secret Service.
Read the full News@Northeastern article on Zandra Flemister here!
Image credits: News@Northeastern
