New CIA Director Gina Haspel thanked two young girls who wrote her encouraging notes, saying their messages gave her motivation to push through the confirmation process.
Haspel became the first female director of the CIA in history Monday.
During a short speech after being sworn in, Haspel told the audience, “I would be remiss if I did not also note the tremendous pride I take in being the first woman to serve as director,” continuing by thanking the women who came before her in the agency. (RELATED: Sarah Sanders Rubs Haspel Confirmation In Democrats’ Faces)
“I would not be standing before you today if not for the remarkable courage and dedication displayed by generations of OSS and agency women in roles both large and small, who challenged stereotypes, broke down barriers and opened doors for the rest of us.”
Haspel then recognized the two girls.
“I stand on the shoulders of heroins who never sought public acclaim but served as inspirations to the generations that came after them,” she said, “I also want to express a special thank you and welcome to Eliza and Zoe, who have joined us today.”
Haspel pointed out the girls in the audience, saying, “The notes from these two young ladies, ages 6 and 7, sent to me sat on my desk these last two months and motivated me daily. In their own words and pictures, they expressed their excitement about the opportunity my nomination represented, and to Eliza and Zoe I would simply say, we did it.”
At the end of the event, the girls joined Haspel onstage, getting a hug and a kiss from her.
WATCH: