Born in Niagara Falls in 1941, the law enforcement trailblazer spent a decade teaching at a Catholic school in Buffalo before transitioning to a career in law enforcement. She joined the Sisters of Mercy convent, dropping subtle hints about her true passions along the way. Misko made the switch from her habit to a badge in 1970 and quickly set her sights on becoming a special agent.
After FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover passed away in 1972, Misko seized the opportunity and landed the job at the age of 31. Alongside former Marine Susan Roley, she was sworn in as one of the first female FBI special agents in nearly 50 years. The men at the FBI Academy affectionately nicknamed them ‘The Nun’ and ‘The Marine.’
Misko faced numerous challenges throughout her career, including being deployed to Wounded Knee, South Dakota during a standoff with protesters. Despite the discrimination she encountered in the male-dominated workplace, she continued to make history by becoming one of the first female supervisors at FBI headquarters in Washington.
Upon retiring in 1994, Misko held the title of the longest-serving female agent in FBI history. Despite facing obstacles, she was recognized with several awards for her dedication to improving the position of women in law enforcement. Misko’s legacy as a pioneer in the field continues to inspire others.
“I had the opportunity to become a part of it, and I was simply fulfilling my duties as a special agent. Therefore, at that time, I did not view the situation from that perspective.”
