Paula Broadwell: ‘I’ve made some mistakes, but I’m trying to look forward’

Paula Broadwell, the woman at the center of the 2012 sex scandal that rocked the Central Intelligence Agency and led to the resignation of its director, Gen. David Petraeus, has not spoken publicly since their affair was first reported in November.

But Broadwell, who wrote Petraeus' biography, "All In," attended an annual YMCA prayer breakfast in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday and spoke afterwards with Raleigh's Newschannel 14.

“The mission today, the prayer breakfast today, was to speak about redemption and slowing down in life and finding purpose,” the 40-year-old author said. “It really touched my heart. I've made some mistakes in the past, but I'm trying to look forward with my family."

"All In" was published in January 2012. On Nov. 9, 2012, Petraeus resigned, confessing to having shown "extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair," which was exposed after Broadwell sent a threatening email to Jill Kelley, a Tampa socialite, allegedly warning Kelley to stay away from Petraeus.

The former Army general had rocketed to global prominence as the man in charge of the "surge" in Iraq and later as the commander of American forces in Afghanistan.

“I grew up in a strong, faith-based family,” Broadwell said. “I think I have selected to return to those roots for strength, for my family, for myself and to protect our children and to forgive others and move on and face forward.”

Broadwell made no mention of the scandal, though it's not clear she was asked to.

“I'm not seeking publicity,” Broadwell continued. “I'm seeking meaningful work. I've been involved in a number of wounded warrior organizations and veteran support initiatives in our community."

She added, “First and foremost, I've been focusing on my family. And again, this whole breakfast is a reminder of what should be first in one's life, and I'm thankful to have that reminder. At the end of the day, I count my blessings being in this wonderful country and our wonderful community and having such a wonderful family and opportunities and the opportunity to rebuild."