AVIATE with Shaesta: Recent Episodes
Shaesta Waiz, Michael Wildes
AVIATE with Shaesta brings some of the most interesting female aviators together- trailblazers, record-setters, mothers, adventurers, entrepreneurs- to have honest conversations about what it means to be a woman in aviation. Join Shaesta Waiz, the Youngest Woman to Fly Solo Around the World, as she goes around the world (via a podcast) and connects with the industry to have honest conversations about being a woman in aviation. AVIATE, which stands for Acknowledge, Vocalize, Inclusion, Act, Travel, and Evolve, are the themes guiding each conversation.
AVIATE With Shaesta is sponsored by Atlantic Aviation.
What We Discuss:
- Intro
- Welcoming Cathyrine "Lilo" Armandie to the podcast
- Cathyrine’s journey from ROTC cadet to combat veteran
- Navigating male-dominated spaces in military aviation
- The importance of supportive policies for women in aviation
- Balancing a demanding military career with motherhood
- Cathyrine’s reflections on diversity and inclusion in aviation
- The evolving landscape for women in aviation
- Final thoughts on leadership and change in the industry
Contributors:
Cathyrine "Lilo" Armandie
Shaesta Waiz
Michael Wildes
What We Discuss:
- 00:00 Intro
- 00:01 Welcoming Megha Bhatia to the podcast
- 03:17 Megha’s upbringing in Dubai and a cherished childhood memory
- 08:48 The spark that ignited Megha's passion for aviation
- 11:01 Challenges faced by international students and professionals in aviation
- 18:54 Megha’s educational journey at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- 25:10 Key factors that contributed to Megha's professional advancement at Rolls-Royce
- 37:27 Introduction to JSSI and Megha's role as Chief Strategy Officer
- 40:33 Final reflections and the impact of Megha’s leadership in aviation
Episode Resources:
- Megha Bhatia | LinkedIn
- Megha Bhatia | JSSI
Contributors:
- Megha Bhatia
- Shaesta Waiz
- Michael Wildes
What We Discuss:00:00 Intro
03:17 Introduction of Shelly Simi, a leader in aviation innovation and strategic initiatives.
10:55 Shelly’s early life in the Mississippi Delta and inspiration from crop dusters.
12:58 Transition from flight coordination at FedEx to strategic roles in aviation.
17:35 Shelly's leadership style and her contributions to industry-government collaboration.
21:17 The significance of mentorship and fostering the next generation of aviation professionals.
27:10 The importance of advancing aviation technology and safety standards.
29:59 Advocating for women in aviation and the founding of Women in Aviation International.
39:10 Reflections on career milestones and future aspirations.
45:17 Final thoughts and takeaways from Shelly’s remarkable journey.
Episode Resources:Shelly Simi | LinkedIn
Shelly Simi | DigitaliBiz, LLC
Contributors:Shelly Simi
Shaesta Waiz
Michael Wildes
What We Discuss:00:00 Intro
03:17 Introduction of Caroline "Blaze" Jensen, trailblazer in military aviation and leadership.
10:55 Blaze's early life in Wisconsin and inspiration from her family's military background.
12:58 Transition from active duty to the civilian sector and corporate roles.
17:35 Climbing the ranks and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.
21:17 Blaze's leadership style, focusing on mentorship and resilience.
27:10 The importance of honoring the legacy of Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
29:59 Balancing career ambitions with motherhood and creating "Thundermouse."
39:10 Advocating for self-compassion and goal visualization.
45:17 Final thoughts and takeaways from Blaze's remarkable journey.
Episode Resources:Caroline "Blaze" Jensen | Website
Caroline "Blaze" Jensen | LinkedIn
Caroline "Blaze" Jensen | Instagram
Contributors:Caroline "Blaze" Jensen
Shaesta Waiz
Michael Wildes
Meet Cat Clay Wren, a remarkable leader in the business aviation sector and the Chief Experience Officer at Business Jets in Dallas, Texas. Originating from a small town in southwest New Mexico, Cat's journey from a rural upbringing to a prominent role in aviation is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Transitioning from college basketball to business aviation, she has swiftly climbed the corporate ladder, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Cat's leadership style is characterized by its non-traditional, effective approach, focusing on servant leadership and adaptability. Beyond her professional success, Cat is deeply committed to community service, especially supporting veterans and their families. As a trailblazer and advocate for women in aviation, Cat's story is one of determination, leadership, and positive impact.
Introduction:
- Introduction of Col. Merryl Tengesdal (Retired), author of "Shatter the Sky: What Going to the Stratosphere Taught Me about Self-worth, Sacrifice, and Discipline."
- Brief overview of her unique achievement as the first and only African American woman to fly the U-2 spy plane.
Background:
- Merryl's upbringing in the Bronx and her early fascination with space exploration.
- The journey from her childhood aspirations to joining the military with the goal of becoming an astronaut.
Main Discussion:
Career Challenges and Achievements:
- In-depth discussion on Merryl's experiences with the U-2 "Dragon Lady."
- The physical and mental demands of high-altitude flights.
- Overcoming barriers in a predominantly male-dominated field.
Overcoming Societal Expectations:
- Merryl's personal battles with societal expectations and imposter syndrome.
- The importance of self-belief and perseverance in her success.
- Strategies and mindsets for overcoming similar challenges.
Inspirational Insights:
- Merryl's perspective on what her achievements mean for diversity and representation in military aviation.
- How her story serves as an inspiration for resilience and determination.
Personal Passions and Influences:
- Discussion on her love for "Star Trek" and "Golden Girls."
- The impact of childhood mentors on her life and career.
Conclusion:
- Reflecting on Merryl Tengesdal's journey as a source of inspiration for the new year.
- Final thoughts and takeaways from the conversation.
Additional Notes:
- Purchase "Shatter the Sky."
- The Motivation Lab
- Information on upcoming events or talks featuring Col. Merryl Tengesdal.
In this episode of the 'AVIATE with Shaesta' podcast, we're joined by Emily Deaton, an influential leader in the aviation industry. Born and raised on Florida's Space Coast, Emily shares stories from her childhood, describing her childhood memories as a 'river rat' kid amidst rocket launches. She delves into her academic journey, highlighting her shift from an aspiring sports agent to a PR expert at the University of Florida.
Emily candidly discusses her diverse career trajectory, starting in the hospitality sector and transitioning to business aviation with Embraer Executive Jets. Her passion for embracing challenges shines through as she recounts her progression from sales to leadership roles, culminating in her current position as CEO of jetAVIAVA.
Throughout the conversation, Emily offers invaluable insights on women's leadership in aviation, balancing family and career, and maintaining enthusiasm in a dynamic industry. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership, encouraging listeners to bring their whole selves to work.
Join us for this motivating episode as Emily Deaton shares her journey, lessons learned, and the joys of working in the fascinating world of aviation.
About Julia Harrington:
- Lead Captain and Base Manager at Axis Jet in Chicago.
- Known for her pioneering role as a woman in the aviation industry.
- Balances her professional career with motherhood.
Early Interests and Influences:
- Julia shares her initial fascination with Business Aviation.
- Recounts her experiences at the EAA AirVenture, sparking her interest in aviation.
- Discusses family influences and early role models in her life.
Educational Journey:
- Details her educational path at the University of Illinois.
- Talks about earning her wings and the challenges she faced during her training.
- Reflects on the importance of education in her career.
Professional Career:
- Julia’s journey to becoming Lead Captain and Base Manager.
- Insights into her day-to-day responsibilities and experiences at Axis Jet.
- Discusses significant milestones and memorable moments in her career.
Women in Aviation:
- Julia's perspective on the evolving role of women in the aviation sector.
- Challenges faced by women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
- Advice for young women aspiring to enter the aviation industry.
Balancing Career and Motherhood:
- Julia shares her experience of balancing a demanding career with being a mother.
- Discusses the support systems that have helped her manage both roles.
- Offers advice to other women who aspire to grow their families while pursuing their careers.
Future Aspirations:
- Julia’s goals for the future in both her professional and personal life.
- Her vision for the future of women in aviation.
This week on the "AVIATE with Shaetsa" podcast, Jenny Showalter delved into her family's aviation legacy and career trajectory. She reminisced about growing up in Orlando, the origins of Showalter Flying Service, and the family's deep connection to the Orlando Executive Airport. Jenny shared fond childhood memories, discussed the emotional sale of the family business in 2015, and reflected on her subsequent roles, including her leadership in the Florida Aviation Business Association. Despite not becoming a pilot herself, Jenny's passion for aviation shines through her extensive community work and her current venture, Showalter Business Aviation Career Coaching, where she supports aviation professionals in their career development.
This week on the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast, I speak to Ezinne Uzo-Okoro, Assistant Director of Space Policy for the White House. With her incredible career in aerospace, I asked Ezinne specific questions around the AVIATE (Acknowledge, Vocalize, Inclusion, Act, and Evolve) theme.
From humble beginnings in Nigeria, where she sought solutions to everyday problems, Ezinne Uzo-Okoro has charted an extraordinary path. Her journey, marked by curiosity and resilience, led her from aspirations of being an inventor to the forefront of space exploration and policy-making. With a career that began at NASA in 2004, Ezinne has accumulated extensive expertise in space engineering systems and management. Her academic accomplishments are equally impressive, with three master's degrees and a historic doctorate in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT, making her the first and only Black woman to achieve this feat.
In her current role as the assistant director of space policy in the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy, Uzo-Okoro is instrumental in shaping the nation's space priorities. Her days are filled with tackling challenges ranging from space debris to Earth’s climate monitoring, reflecting a diverse and impactful portfolio.
Uzo-Okoro's vision extends beyond practical solutions; she envisions a future where space technology plays a critical role in advancing society and the global economy. Her dedication and pioneering spirit have not only led to significant contributions in the field of space exploration but also positioned her as a role model, inspiring others to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Kodey Bogart, Retired Army Aviator, Educator, Entrepreneur, & Author: turning adversity into her superpower.
As many of us are familiar, adversity is a universal and inevitable part of life that most of us face through challenges like illness, loss, financial hardship, and the growing pains of life. Adversity is non-discriminatory, affecting all individuals regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status. No person is immune from it. While adversity introduces difficulties, it also plays a crucial role in personal growth and grit. Within society, we have witnessed how adversity drives innovation, strengthens community bonds, and enhances empathy.
In the face of adversity, the history of women in aviation is a testament to resilience. Since the early days of flight, women like Élisabeth Thible, who flew in a hot air balloon in 1784, and Aida de Acosta, who in 1903 became the first woman to pilot a motorized aircraft, have been relentlessly reaching for the skies. The early 20th century saw women like Emma Lilian Todd designing successful airplanes and Georgia "Tiny" Broadwick performing parachute jumps, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible for women at the time. Even with these successes, these pioneering women were often not considered serious aviators or contributors to the field.
Despite their early involvement, women were also often restricted to working privately or in support roles in the aviation industry before 1970. Nonetheless, they were breaking records and competing in air races against men within the first two decades of powered flight. During World War II, while most female pilots were restricted from military flight, many served in auxiliary services and support roles. As time progressed, women continued to make progress, often in the background contributing greatly to our industry, with limited resources and a lack of community in their workplace.
The modern landscape for women in aviation is certainly improving with several organizations and initiatives dedicated to supporting women in the workforce, however, the data still reflects a significant gender gap. We learned from the FAA Women in Aviation Advisory Board report how women make up less than 20% of the aviation workforce, with even lower representation in pilot and maintenance roles. As of 2022, women account for just 9.57% of all pilots. When we exclude student licenses, the figure drops to 6.34% for non-student female pilots. The five-year trend leading up to 2022 does show growth in the number of female pilots, but the percentage increase is modest, sometimes being referred to a flatline growth.
Reflecting on the importance of gender equality in our industry and thinking about the conversations I have had with women in the industry, I've come to believe that a significant way to better support women is by actively listening to their stories, specifically on adversity. Hearing how they've transformed challenges, failures, and difficult moments into avenues for growth not only fosters equality but also empowers the next generation, who sometimes feel the pressure to be perfect. These storied provides practical guidance and perspective on resilience and perseverance, illustrating how to rise above obstacles and advance with determination. On a personal note, when I talk about adversity during keynote presentations, I find it to be healing as I share these experiences with others.
With this, we invited Kodey Bogart, Retired Army Aviator, Educator, Entrepreneur, and Author, to be our podcast guest this week and asked her to share her story.
Kodey Bogart's career journey exemplifies the enduring spirit of women in aviation, demonstrating how resilience can turn adversity into triumph. Raised in Michigan with a love for the outdoors, art, and nature, Kodey faced an unfortunate challenge in her childhood that set her on a path of service rather than setbacks. She enlisted in the military after high school, where she discovered her passion for flight. As an Army Warrant Officer and Aviator, she was recognized with two Air Medals and a Sikorsky Rescue Award for her service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Post-military, Kodey's aviation career continued as she flew over 2,500 hours of accident-free flight time, serving in air ambulance and aviation law enforcement roles. Her commitment to lifelong learning earned her a Master's in Aviation Safety from the Florida Institute of Technology and a Bachelor's from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, specializing in Helicopter Safety. Currently pursuing her Doctorate in Aviation with an emphasis on Safety and teaching part-time as an Adjunct Professor at FIT, Kodey balances her academic pursuits with motherhood, community engagement and authoring a series of books to educate and inspire the youth.
In 2018, I was invited to be a speaker at a conference in the Midwest. Before I got on the stage to present my keynote, the session before me was talking about a new concept that I remember briefly hearing about as a student at Embry-Riddle, Advance Air Mobility (AAM). The speaker mentioned how AAM is the future of aviation, and that it will revolutionize air travel as we know it.
AAM is known as the development, integration, and utilization of new airborne transportation systems, typically involving electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, drones, and other innovative aerial vehicles. These systems are designed to operate in urban, suburban, and rural environments. Since that conference in 2018, so many developments have transpired in this sector.
Key Features of the AAM sectors include;
- eVTOLs: These are aircraft that can take off and land vertically like a helicopter but transition to forward flight like a plane, predominantly powered by electric propulsion.
- Urban Air Mobility (UAM): A subset of AAM focusing on urban environments. UAM seeks to alleviate ground traffic congestion by taking advantage of the airspace above cities.
- Decentralized Infrastructure: Instead of large central airports, AAM emphasizes smaller vertiports or landing pads scattered throughout urban and suburban areas.
- Autonomous Operations: While initial operations may have human pilots, the goal for many AAM solutions is to eventually operate autonomously, which will require advanced autonomous flight systems and robust air traffic management solutions.
The AAM sector on a global scale was valued at $8.2 billion in 2022. It is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20% by 2032 with a valuation to reach about $68.1 billion. Furthermore, investments in AAM have reached $4.8 billion in 2021, with new innovative companies launching each year in pursuit of the next successful eVTOL to hit the market. Specifically, there are over 200 companies globally in the race to develop eVTOL aircraft. The primary driver in the AAM sector is the Urban Air Mobility market which is projected to rise from 3.8 billion to 38.5 billion by 2030.
In terms of women in this sector, McKinsey & Company shared on its blog this year how women are advancing in Future Air Mobility (FAM). Here are a few key points the blog shared.
- Sustainable aviation saw the biggest improvement in gender diversity, with the number of women and nonbinary people increasing from 13 percent to 18 percent.
- Other segments, including manned advanced air mobility/eVTOL vehicles and small drones, showed smaller gains.
- Companies that develop supersonic and hypersonic technology regressed, with the number of women and nonbinary people falling from 23 percent to 20 percent, although the small sample size means that the departure of a few senior leaders could sway the numbers in a meaningful way.
- Among regions, North America has the most diverse leadership teams in both gender (20 percent female or nonbinary) and ethnic diversity—defined as the non-majority group in a company’s home country (18 percent).
- Technical roles have seen the biggest increase in diversity for both genders (going from 5 percent to 14 percent female or nonbinary) and people from ethnic minorities (going from 12 percent to 16 percent).
- Despite this progress, women and nonbinary people remain significantly underrepresented in technical roles at FAM companies, as they are in many other industries.
Our special guest who will launch us into season five of the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast is Elan Head, a familiar voice in AAM. Elan is an award-winning journalist specializing in aviation and technology. Head currently serves as the Senior Editor at The Air Current and continues to be a respected journalist in the industry covering several developments and breaking news in AAM. Elan is a Commercial Helicopter Pilot and an FAA Gold Seal flight instructor with helicopter and instrument helicopter ratings. Elan joins us to share her unexpected start in aviation and how she turned her passion for flight and journalism into a career that she truly enjoys.
Born with an innate curiosity and a passion for making a difference, Joan Sullivan Garrett embarked on her professional journey with a clear mission: to enhance the safety and well-being of individuals traveling far from home. As a 1979 graduate of the Mesa Community College nursing program, and her extensive background in healthcare and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by travelers, Joan recognized the need for specialized medical assistance and support in remote locations.
In 1985, Joan established MedAire, a groundbreaking organization that provides comprehensive medical and travel safety services. Under her visionary guidance, MedAire quickly became a trailblazer in the field, setting new standards for medical support, emergency response, and crisis management in the aviation and maritime industries. Joan has been featured on TIME, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and BBC, among other notable networks, for her extraordinary work and contribution to the medical field.
In our conversation, Joan talks about her childhood and the inspiration that launched MedAire. She also shares her entrepreneurship journey and the lessons learned in pursuit of turning her passion for saving people into a global business. Garrett also shares how she managed motherhood, her well-being, and her motivation to keep building her business and impacting the lives of millions of people.
When I launched the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast, it was a priority to find women in government who could talk about their career journey and their impact on the industry. In my research, I came across the first female to serve as the FAA Acting Administrator, Linda Hall Daschle. Recently, a very kind and supportive aviation leader introduced me to Linda, and I am so grateful to him.
Linda, a Kansas native, is a prominent public policy and government affairs figure. Daschle has served as a senior executive at several leading organizations and was actively involved in their government relations strategies. After 20 years of actively working in the aviation industry, Linda was nominated by President Bill Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Deputy Administrator to the FAA. Daschle became the first woman to serve as the FAA Acting Administrator three years later. In addition to her work in government affairs, Linda is also a sought-after speaker and has participated in numerous conferences and forums, sharing her insights and expertise on various policy issues. She is known for her ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and compellingly, making her a respected voice in the policy arena.
Linda, welcome!
Mental health in aviation is a critical issue affecting pilots and the entire aviation ecosystem. The high-pressure environment, long hours, irregular schedules, and extended periods away from home can cause significant stress on pilots, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout.
There is limited research on mental health issues among pilots, but studies suggest that pilots may be at higher risk than the general population. Here are some statistics based on available research:
A survey of 1,848 commercial pilots in 2015 found that 4.1% of respondents reported having suicidal thoughts within the previous two weeks, compared to 3.7% of adults in the general population.
The same survey found that 12.6% of pilots reported experiencing symptoms of depression, compared to 7.1% of adults in the general population.
A 2017 study of 2,500 pilots in the United States found that 29% of respondents had experienced symptoms of depression within the previous two weeks, and 4.1% had experienced suicidal thoughts within the last two weeks.
The same study found that 12.6% of respondents had been diagnosed with depression at some point, and 4.1% had been diagnosed with a personality disorder.
It's important to note that these statistics are based on self-reported data and may not reflect the full extent of mental health issues among pilots.
The industry has traditionally taken a reactive approach to mental health, addressing it only after an incident or accident. However, we do see improvements with airlines and aviation regulatory bodies implementing more proactive measures to prevent and manage mental health issues among pilots.
One such measure is the implementation of peer-support programs that allow pilots to confidentially share their concerns with other pilots who have undergone similar experiences. Additionally, airlines provide mental health resources and training to pilots, including access to mental health professionals and stress management techniques.
The FAA has also implemented regulations that require pilots to disclose their mental health status to their employers and undergo regular mental health assessments. These regulations aim to detect and manage mental health issues early and prevent them from escalating into more severe problems. But as pilots know, losing your medical can cost you a great deal of time, money, resources, and sometimes your job.
"Pilots believe that being vulnerable, and sharing feelings or struggles, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress, would be at best humiliating or embarrassing, and, at worst, the end of their flying career."
Reyne O'Shaughnessy, a retired airline pilot and author of "This Is Your Captain Speaking," shared in a recent interview. Captain Reyne was featured on an AVIATE roundtable last year, focusing on mental health in aviation.
Each season, I intentionally dedicate an episode to discussing mental health in aviation. When I read about Tammy Jo Shults, a retired Navy fighter pilot and commercial airline pilot who grew up on a ranch in Texas, I immediately knew she would be an influential guest on this podcast. When I further learned Tammie Jo's story and how she gained national recognition for safely landing Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 after an engine failure in April 2018, I invited her to share her story and anchor our conversation around mental health.
Shults was one of the first female fighter pilots in the U.S. Navy and flew the F/A-18 Hornet in combat operations during Operation Desert Storm. She later became a commercial airline pilot and joined Southwest Airlines in 1993, where she continued to fly until her retirement in 2020. Shults' skill and composure during the emergency landing of Flight 1380 were widely praised and credited with saving the lives of the passengers and crew on board.
Tammie Jo, welcome!
A powerful statement on the UN Women website read, "A single moment can spark a revolution, collective actions can transform laws, creative expression can change attitudes, and an invention can alter the course of history. It's these threads that weave together to propel the women's movement — even in the face of obstacles."
The history of women in government and policy is a long and complex one, marked by struggles for equality, representation, and recognition. From the early pioneers who fought for suffrage to the trailblazing women who shattered glass ceilings in politics, women have played an essential role in shaping government and policy in the United States.
In 1848, the First Women's Rights Convention occurred in Seneca Falls, New York, led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. Both women gathered hundreds of people and demanded civil, social, political, and religious rights for women in a Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions.
On March 8, 1911, the first International Women's Day was marked by more than one million people across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland gathered for women's suffrage and labor rights.
Fast forward to 1946, in the inaugural session of the UN General Assembly, Eleanor Roosevelt read an "open letter to the women of the world," sharing the importance of women's involvement in national and international affairs.
For aviation history, from 1997 to 2022, Jane Garvey became the first female Administrator of the FAA under the Clinton Administration. Garvey was the daughter of an Air Force colonel who worked as the Airport Director for Boston's Logan International Airport in the early 1990s and then served as the first Deputy Administrator for the US Federal Highway Administration for four years. Her successor was Marion Blakey, who became the 15th Administrator of the FAA.
The history of women in transportation, policy, and the government is inspiring. Still, with only 28% of women in Congress, 30% of statewide elective executive offices led or co-led by women, and 31% of seats in state legislation held by women, we have a long way to go. We need more women in government and policy roles to help grow society, especially in aviation.
Here are a few reasons why women should consider a career in government:
Representation: Women are underrepresented in government and policy positions, so having more women in these roles is essential to bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table.
Influence: Women in government and policy can significantly impact the policies and decisions that affect the lives of women and girls. They can advocate for policies that promote gender equality, address issues such as the gender pay gap, and improve women's access to healthcare and education.
Leadership: By pursuing careers in government and policy, women can become leaders and role models for other women and girls. They can demonstrate that women have the skills and expertise to lead and make a difference in society.
Networking: Working in government and policy can allow women to network with other influential leaders, build relationships, and gain valuable experience and skills.
Progress: Finally, women in government and policy can help drive improvement and create positive change in society. By working to promote policies that support gender equality, combat discrimination, and advance human rights, women can help make a more just and equitable world for everyone.
Overall, women should consider careers in government and policy because it is a path to leadership, impact, and progress and can help increase representation and diversity in decision-making roles.
Joining us on the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast this week is Rucsandra Magdalena Mihai, Founder and Managing Partner at Train Aviation in Romania. Rucsandra also serves as the Vice President of Women in Corporate Aviation. Mahai has over 30 years of experience working as a Corporate Flight Attendant, flying predominately in Africa, Europe, and the United States. Her company offers Silver Service for Corporate flight attendant training, EASA Cabin Crew training, and more.
In our conversation, Rucsandra offers her international perspective on the flight attendant sector. She shares the biggest misconception about flight attendants, key takeaways from starting her own business, and her thoughts on the increasing episodes and assaults on flight attendants in commercial aviation.
"Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on."
Our guest this week on the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast is Laura Heltebran. Laura received a Bachelor and Doctor of Law from George Mason University. She serves as a C-suit executive- the Chief Legal Officer at Wheels Up. During her free time, Laura takes flight lessons and works towards her Private Pilot License. Heltebran has worked and represented Fortune 500 companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Time Warner, Xerox, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Hilton Worldwide. With her remarkable career, Laura offers her professional perspective on the power of a woman's voice.
According to We Are Tech Women, role models can be a vital influence on anyone's career, providing guidance, support, advice, and much more. This is especially true for women in technology, where it can be hard to establish yourself.
This encouraged us to find an inspiring young woman who is paving her path in aviation and Tech. Our guest this week on the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast is Angelina Tsboui.
Angelina has been solving problems through her passion for computer coding and building apps since she was seven years old. By the 11th grade, Tsboui had created a few resourceful apps, like an app for the Apple Watch that guides users through CPR and Lilac, where non-English speaking parents can access childcare and housing resources, and finally, the app called Pilot Fast Track. Pilot Fast Track helps you find customized flight scholarships, explore opportunities in aviation, and discover resources to help fund your aviation endeavors.
Welcome, Angelina.
Our guest this week is Madelyne Paulk, the Marketing and Communications Manager at Jet It. I recently met Madelyne at an aviation conference, and I was drawn to how genuine, professional, and personable she is. Moments after speaking with her, I immediately knew she would be a great guest to feature on this podcast, and her perspective on diversity and inclusion would be valuable to the audience. Madelyne had some reservations initially because she was new to aviation, which was precisely why her story was important to share with you.
Madelyne started her career in aviation with Jet It in 2020 after completing her master's degree program. With little knowledge of the industry, she took a chance and started as a Marketing Intern. Since then, Madelyne has worked her way up to Marketing Manager, where she is able to lead and guide marketing efforts to build brand awareness. Passionate about service and DE&I, Madelyne volunteers with the RedTail Flight Academy helping them plan their inaugural graduation ceremony and consulting on their marketing efforts. Outside of aviation, she also sits on the Lowcountry Advisory Board for Multiplying Good, a national nonprofit focused on elevating public service and empowering the next generation of servant leaders.
The launch of season four of the AVIATE with Shaesta is here. This week's special guest is Zahra Hirani, the Chief Financial Officer of Boeing Capital Corporation. Zahra has a compelling story that I resonate with. In 1972, Hirani and her family were expelled from their home in Uganda and were placed in a refugee camp in the United Kingdom. Eventually, Zahra and her family settled in Canada, where she would spend her early years figuring out her place in the world and her passions. With her parent's support, Zahra enrolled at the University of Waterloo, where she pursued a bachelor's in mathematics. Waterloo provided Zahra with a nurturing and unbiased environment, which was vital since she spent most of her adolescent life being bullied by her classmates because she was an immigrant.
After fearlessly pursuing her love for numbers, Zahra's career includes accounting, auditing, and business advisory services to domestic and international companies. She has dedicated the past decade to serving in various financial and leadership roles for Boeing.
Welcome, Zahra!
A special thank you to Atlantic Aviation for sponsoring our podcast and providing these critical conversations and insights to the industry. It has been four seasons now, and we appreciate your partnership.
Our guest in this episode is Director Vanessa Wyche from the NASA Johnson Space Center. Wyche is a dual alumna of Clemson University, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering. She began her career at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and eventually found her way to NASA in 1989. At NASA, Vanessa has served in different positions, like Project Manager within the Space and Life Science Directorate. In this role, Wyche applied her engineering background towards developing and using hardware systems for medical and microgravity experiments on the space shuttle and the International Space Station. Today, Director Wyche serves as the thirteenth Director of NASA Johnson Space Center, a position she has held since June of 2021.
In this episode, we talk about how Vanessa grew up in South Carolina as a curious young girl. Director Wyche shares how her biology teacher introduced her to engineering. We discuss the importance of community, role models, and balancing life as a professional, mom, and wife. Finally, Director Wyche talks about Artemis One and what she is excited about with space exploration.
Dr. Saralyn Mark is a world-renowned leader in women's health and precision innovation. She founded SolaMed Solutions, LLC, a premier consulting firm, and iGIANT®, a nonprofit accelerator for gendered innovation, to provide scientific and strategic direction and public outreach for agencies, academia, industry, and professional and advocacy organizations. Dr. Mark served as the Senior Scientific Policy Advisor to the White House and the Senior Medical Advisor to HHS and NASA.
She holds four academic appointments including at Yale and Kings College-London and has published and delivered over 700 lectures. Dr. Mark has received numerous awards for her contributions to medicine, precision health, and emerging and disruptive technologies.
In 2014, Mark authored her book, Stellar Medicine: A Journey Through the Universe of Women’s Health, which is available on Amazon.
In this episode, Saralyn talks about her career as the first-ever Senior Medical Advisor at NASA and shares some of the biggest takeaways. I asked Dr. Mark how we, as an industry, can better serve women. We dove into the concern for young professionals and their mental health in aviation. Finally, Saralyn talks about her work with iGIANT and how it supports women in the workplace through its lens.
Our guest today, Kendra Kincade, wears several hats, but she is most recognized as a celebrated Canadian Air Traffic Controller and Founder/Chair at Elevate Aviation.
Kendra’s introduction to aviation came later in life at age 24. She was a single mother of four with no aviation background at the time. At age 13, Kendra ran away from home and eventually settled in a foster home. She got married at age 18 and started growing her family. When Kendra found herself going through a divorce, hope seemed so fragile. Her mentor stepped in and introduced Kendra to the world of Air Traffic. This introduction led Kendra to find her passion in life.
In my conversation with Kendra, she opens up about her childhood, marriage, motherhood, and divorce while pursuing a career in aviation. She also shares how by getting out of her comfort zone to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, she discovered new opportunities to empower women with similar backgrounds and help them find their place in the industry.
Our guest today is aviation attorney Alina Nassar. Alina was born and raised in Costa Rica. Her father, an attorney, also had a love for aviation that was passed along to Alina. As a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the prestigious university in Belgium, KU Lueven, Alina practices Aviation and Competition Law as a partner in her home country.
I met Alina a few years back when she became the president of the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA). She was relatively young and determined to bring change for women in aviation.
In this episode, we hear about Alina’s childhood in San Jose and how her interest in aviation, especially aviation law, came about. Alina also talks about a brief career change that helped define her career aspirations as an attorney. She shares insights about her profession. Finally, Alina talks about the IAWA “Soaring Through Glass Ceiling” report, which highlights how far women in aviation have come and pathways forward, that was published during her leadership at IAWA.
As a young girl growing up in Atlanta, chemistry and math were a passion for Stephanie Espy, our podcast guest, this week. This passion followed Stephanie to college, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from MIT. Upon earning her degree, Stephanie became one of the women who earned 19 percent of bachelor’s degrees in engineering, as well as one of the minority women awarded 3 percent of bachelor’s degrees in engineering.
Stephanie went on to further her education by graduating from UC Berkeley with a master’s in chemical engineering and obtaining an MBA from Emory University.
With a strong career path projected before her, Stephanie felt compelled to set her own course, focusing her work on making STEM subjects more relatable and engaging for kids and highlighting women role models in STEM. Stephanie started her own business in 2008 and is the Founder and CEO of MathSP. Additionally, she authored the book STEM Gems, a book for girls and young women to explore STEM careers through the stories of 44 inspiring women STEM leaders.
In my conversation with Stephanie, who is recognized as the #1 LinkedIn Top Voice in Education, I asked her who were her role models growing up, how she had the courage to leave a stable industry job and start her own business, and she shares the entrepreneurship lessons she learned along the way.
Our guest today is the extraordinary Jessica Cox. Jessica is the world’s first licensed armless pilot, as well as the first armless black belt in Taekwondo and a certified Suba diver. Born with a rare birth defect, Jessica adapted to life without arms by using her feet to support her everyday activities. In my conversation with Jessica, we talked about changing the narrative, breaking barriers, and how she is setting up aviation to be more supportive of people who have disabilities.
Our guest today, to launch us into season three, is Lalitya Dhavala. Lalitya, who joined me from London, is an aviation consultant working for Ascend, the consultancy arm of the aviation analytics firm Cirium, aerospace engineer, and Board member of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Originally from India, Lalitya grew up in the United Arab Emirates in a passionate family about education. Following in her father’s footsteps, Lalitya decided to become an engineer at a young age. In 2013, she received her bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and obtained a Masters in Aviation Safety in 2015.
In my conversation with Lalitya, she talks about her career in the middle-east, in a male-dominated field, where she felt the cultural pressures and expectations of being a working woman.
Our guest today, who will conclude season two of the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast, is Colonel Nicole Malachowski. At age 5, during a time when women were not permitted to fly for the military, Nicole knew that someday, she would fly a fighter jet. Finishing fourth in her class, Nicole graduated from pilot training at Columbus AFB, Mississippi, and was selected for the only F-15E slot allotted to her class. Nicole has served in a few operational tours and went into combat for the United States Air Force. In 2005, Nicole made history by becoming the first woman to fly for the Thunderbirds, completing 140 performances, and inspiring a generation of women aviators.
In my conversation, I ask Nicole about her remarkable career and how she managed her mental health along the way. We also discuss Nicole’s physical health, especially after she was suddenly diagnosed with a tick-borne illness, which changed her life and career trajectory.
Vanessa Blacknall-Jamison is our podcast guest today. Some of you may be familiar with Vanessa’s leadership from OBAP (the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals) or her advocacy and hard work with the FAA.
Vanessa grew up in Denver, Colorado, and was introduced to aviation by her mother, a Flight Attendant talent recruiter. Inspired by her mother’s ability to connect with people and her work in aviation, Vanessa started her career as a Flight Attendant. In the last 40-plus years, Vanessa has worked for United Airlines, the FAA, a Member of the Board of Trustees Foundation for the Civil Air Patrol, and the first woman and non-pilot Chairwoman of OBAP. Mentorship and connecting with people are at the core of everything Vanessa does.
In this conversation, Vanessa and I talk about her bringing, work-life balance, commitment to lifting minorities and women in aviation, and plans for the future.
Today, our guest is a corporate pilot, Founder and President of the Hera Aviation Group, and mommy of two, Jessica Webster. As a Massachusetts native, Jessica attended airshows with her family and admired the aircraft from afar. It wasn't until the Commander of a P-3 Orion invited Jessica to sit on the aircraft's wing with the crew that she believed aviation was a career possibility. It was a defining moment that inspired her to pursue flight. After a non-linear path to becoming a corporate pilot, Jessica found herself in a difficult situation. Because she was a new mother, she was not given the opportunity to upgrade from her First Office position to Captain, although she worked just as hard as her counterparts.
This situation shocked Jessica and later motivated her to find a way to continue to fly. Jessica was also inspired to start her non-profit, Hera Aviation Group, which raises awareness of the current constraints for women and primary caregivers in aviation and advocates for change within the industry.
Joining me on this episode of the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast is the CEO and President of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, Amy Spowart. Amy grew up in central Pennsylvania and took a non-traditional route in aviation. Her first flight experience was when she was 19 years old on a TWA flight.
Although Amy had her hesitations about flying for the first time, this was a big deal back home in her hometown, where people didn’t travel much. During her twenties, Amy lived in England, and when she came back to America, she decided to enroll in College. Believing that she wasn’t a capable student, Amy found herself drawn to history, resulting in her obtaining two degrees at the same time. Her passion for acknowledging the past opened the door to aviation and launched her career at the NAHF.
In our conversation, I ask Amy about her upbringing, her love for connecting with people, her 22+ year career and leadership with NAHF, and her contributions to women in aviation.
Our guest today is the Chief Executive Officer of The Registry of Aruba, Alexandria (Alex) Colindres. Alex had fond childhood memories of spending her summers at The Registry of Aruba, which is a company founded by her dad. Although she was surrounded by business aviation, Alex had a soaring interest in the arts. After receiving a bachelor’s in fine arts and a master’s in art management from Columbia College Chicago, Alex started her art career in Miami, working for an Art Gallery and Spinello Projects.
To save up money to move out to California, in pursuit of accelerating her art career, Alex started working as the PR Manager and Civil Aviation Liaison for The Registry of Aruba. Through her work, her interest in business aviation grew and she started to earn her place in the family company.
Alex is here to talk to us being a young executive leader, how she managed her business and team during covid, and how she is empowering young women in the aviation industry to pursue their dreams.
Today, our guest, Shelley Svoren, is the Founder and CEO of Infinite Branches, which connects and transforms business aviation investments. With over 30 years of experience in finance, Shelley received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon in Finance, Economics, International Business, and Scandinavian Studies. Her interest in aviation came from her father, who served in the marine corp, but because she didn’t see people in aviation who looked like her, she didn’t explore the interest further. Shelley has worked for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Silicon Valley Bank, at Macy’s as the Financial Analyst and Budget Manager, and the First Republic Bank before starting her own company.
Our guest today is Guyanese American pilot Beverly Drake. In the 1970’s Beverley became one of Guyana’s first female pilots, flying both military for the Guyana Defense Force and commercial operations for Guyana Airways. By the end of the 1970s, Beverly left her country as a celebrated aviator, got married, had her first child while settling in America, and embarked on a different career track as an analyst for Goldman Sachs. Longing to return to aviation, Drake decided to work as an investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). With over 30 years of experience as an aviation accident investigator, Beverly became the first and only black senior aviation accident investigator woman for the NTSB. Determined to change the status quo, Beverly has served as the Federal Women’s Program Manager for the past seven years at the NTSB. Beverly is a trailblazer nominee of Forbes 50 over 50, and an advocate for STEM.
Our guest today is Kimberly Perkins who is a Gulfstream 650 Captain, writer, researcher, and mother to two adorable girls. Discovering the possibility of an aviation career during a college campus tour, Kimberly was determined to earn her wings to fly. After building her flight time and finding unique ways to instruct pilots, Kimberly landed a job flying a CRJ for a US regional air carrier. When the 2008 recession hit, impacting air travel, Kimberly moved to a different continent to operate a CRJ 900 out of Lagos, Nigeria. While in Lagos, Kimberly identified a need in her new community, a lack of basic school supplies for children, which eventually inspired her to start her non-profit, Aviation for Humanity.
Today, Kimberly is working her Ph.D. at the University of Washington, focusing her work on the impact of cognitive bias on aviation safety. She is here today to share her story and more about the important research she is doing in our industry.
Carole Hopson, our guest today, is a New Jersey native who took notice of the airplanes flying above her in the sky at the young age of four. Although she admired flight because she didn't see other black women pilots, let alone pilots who wore glasses like her, Carole didn't consider an aviation career.
She went on to earn her bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and a master's in journalism from Columbia University. Carole's impressive career path includes being a journalist, working for the NFL, and serving in executive leadership positions for Foot Locker and L'Oréal.
It wasn't until Carole was flying on a business trip as a passenger when the pilot invited her to the flight deck that she discovered that she, too, could be a pilot. At age 34, Carole pivoted, leaving behind her successful career, and started flight training. At an aviation conference, Carole first discovered Bessie Coleman's story of becoming the first African woman pilot, and she was inspired. She started writing a book about Bessie's life and her historical flying adventures.
Today, Carole, a mother of two boys, is a first officer for United Airlines, flying the Boeing 737 aircraft and the author of, “A Pair of Wings, A Novel Inspired by Pioneer Aviatrix Bessie Coleman”.
Rachel Jacobson, President of the Drone Racing League, is our guest launching us into season two, centering our conversation on the Act theme in AVIATE.
A New Jersey Native, Rachel graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor's in Hotel and Business Management. Rachel spent 21 years at the National Basketball Association (NBA), where her career culminated as the Senior Vice President of Business Development. Rachel pivoted from the NBA and followed her other passion in tech by joining Landit as the Chief Business Development Officer. In April 2020, Rachel found an opportunity to bring her passion for sports and tech together by becoming the President of the Drone Racing League. Rachel joins me today to talk about all things drone racing, tech, and aviation.
The DRL championship airs today at 1pm EST on NBC and Twitter. There will be a "Tournament of Champions" drone racing tournament on the Drone Racing Arcade mobile game where players can win cash prizes. Check it out!
Zara Rutherford, the Youngest Woman to Fly Solo Around the World, joins me in the exclusive conversation where we discuss her historic and inspiring trip around the world. On January 20, 2022, Zara broke my record of being the youngest woman to fly solo around the world at the young age of 19, capturing the hearts of so many who followed her flight. As we launched season two of the podcast, it is important to capture this historical moment of two earth-rounder women coming together to share their experiences and journey in aviation. This conversation captures the Acknowledge theme in AVIATE, where we talk about flying, share the highlights and challenges related to a trip of this caliber, and the importance of empowering women.
Michael Wildes, our Executive Producer for Aviate with Shaesta, joins for a very special season one, three-part series recap. Michael stays busy. Outside of his role as Producer, Michael is the Business Editor for Flying Magazine and sits on the board of Dreams Soar. Michael is also a pilot, recently working at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as a Check-Pilot. In this episode, you’ll hear how the podcast came together from its inception, and hear how we worked behind the scenes for many months. we each share the lessons we learned, challenges we encountered, and more. Michael talks about our “big fight”. Shaesta says it was just a “heated argument”. You decide. We also review the first bonus episode with Dr. Sima Samar and the Afghanistan Special we hosted. What does that have to do with Aviation? We explained this here. Finally, we discussed how we plan to support the girls in Afghanistan over the long run.
Michael Wildes, Executive Producer for Aviate with Shaesta returns for this second episode of a three-part season one review. This time we discuss our favorite moments of the season. Did Michael answer fully? You decide. She reveals why it was important to lead off with Mental Health and we briefly outline our plans for more. Michael shares what he learned from Ariel Tweto’s episode. Finally, we gush about Stephanie Chung.
In this episode: Mental Health with Airline Pilot, Linda Berlin, Pioneers in Aviation with the Smithsonian’s Dr. Ellen Stofan, Motherhood with Retired Coast Guard Pilot, Liz Booker, Social Media Pressures with TV Personality, Ariel Tweto, Self-Advocacy with Chief Growth Officer at Wheels Up, Stephanie Chung.
In this final of three-part season one review series, Michael Wildes, Executive Producer for Aviate with Shaesta returns. Michael joins to talk about why he’s a “superfan” of Patty Wagstaff: hint, she’s a 3-peat legend. Shaesta shares the pressure women face to be perfect, as we review Episode 7 with Erika Armstrong. Michael wants to know if Shaesta feels pressure to be perfect. Is there a premium to being a woman in a male-dominated space? Also, we reveal and discuss why the episode with Kiah Erlich on pivoting at work resonated. Michael shares his favorite Nicole Stott quote, and finally, we gush about the support of Atlantic Aviation and Sue Sommers, who joined us to talk about community. That’s a wrap on season 1! Season 2 returns February 2022!
In this episode: On Patty Wagstaff’s successes and travel; the cost of being a woman with Erika Armstrong, Pivoting with Kiah Erlich of Blue Origin, New Horizons with Retired Astronaut, Nicole Stott, Sue Sommers, VP of Marketing at Atlantic Aviation.
Sue Sommers, VP of Sales and Marketing for Atlantic Aviation, has over 25 years of experience in aviation. She started her career working at an FBO in customer service and has built her career impressive career over the years. Sue is a native of Louisiana and a mother. Hear how she leaned on her community to help her build her career.
Our guest this week is Nicole Stott. Nicole grew up in Clearwater, Florida. She began her career in 1987 as a structural design engineer with Pratt & Whitney in West Palm Beach, Florida. In 1988, Stott joined NASA at the Kennedy Space Center as an Operations Engineer in the Orbiter Processing Facility.
In 2000, she was selected as a NASA Astronaut. In April 2006, Nicole was a crew member on the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) 9 mission, where she lived and worked with a six-person crew for 18 days on the Aquarius undersea research habitat. Nicole has been to space two times now, once in 2009 as a mission specialist on STS-128 Discovery, participating in the first spacewalk of that mission; she spent over 100 days as a flight engineer on the International Space Station (ISS), and returned on STS-129 Atlantis. Her second time to space was in 2011, where Nicole was a mission specialist on STS-133, the final flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Today, Nicole (a mother) is an artist who shares her passion for space through her work. She is a co-founder of the Space for Art Foundation, and is also an author of the book Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet―And Our Mission to Protect It, which comes out on October 12.
IG @astro_nicole @spaceforartfoundation https://www.backtoearthbook.com https://www.spaceforartfoundation.org
Kiah Erlich, pilot, STEM advocate, and leader in aviation, has served in a wide variety of positions throughout her aviation career. Upon graduating from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in aviation management business administration, Kiah worked in Airport Management for the Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona. Intrigued by the Honeywell B757 Flying Tech Lab, Kiah took a leap in faith and started working for the company for over six years, starting off in the Marketing and Product Management division. After two years, she then became the Director of GM Flight Services and, was promoted to the Senior Director of VPGM Rotation, Engines, and Power Systems. During this time, she obtained her master’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 2018, Kiah pivoted and started her career as the Head of Global Sales for Panasonic Avionics Corporation. Today, Kiah is the Director of Astronaut and NASA Sales for Blue Origin.
Kirsten Bartok Touw is the founder and managing partner at AirFinance, which specializes in structured finance, leasing, and the financing of aircraft, with emphasis on emerging markets. In addition, Kirsten is the Co-President, COO, and Director of New Vista, a special purpose acquisition company.
Prior to AirFinance, she was Vice President, Strategy, Structured Finance & Corporate Development at Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. Kirsten was a co-founder, board member, and CFO of XOJET, where she was part of the original core executive team that built the private jet charter company and developed its innovative business jet, outsourcing model.
Before joining XOJET, Kirsten spent over 12 years in private equity, venture capital, investment banking, and capital markets. Most recently Kirsten was a partner at Alpine Investors, a San Francisco-based investment firm, where she focused on aerospace, business process outsourcing, education/training, and retail.
Kirsten received a BA, cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania where she was a Benjamin Franklin Scholar, and an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.
Our guest this week is Erika Armstrong. With a following of over 400,000 aviation enthusiasts, Erika is a pilot, VP of Business for Advanced Aircrew Academy, and Professor at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. In 2000, Armstrong released her first book, “A Chick in the Cockpit”, where she shares her life journey in becoming a pilot and the adventures she has had along the way. She is currently working on a second book, The Art of Being a Pilot, which will hit the bookshelves soon.
In addition to her incredible career, Erika is a mother of two and an advocate for women in aviation. At her core, she loves aviation and is an inspiration to women. In this podcast conversation, Erika talks to me about the cost of being a woman.
In this podcast episode, I have a conversation with the legendary Patty Wagstaff on the topic of travel and aviation. Patty grew up around aviation because of her father, who was a commercial airline pilot for Japan Airlines. In 1978, Patty moved from Australia to Alaska and began her flight training, earning her wings to fly. In 1984, she entered her first aerobatic competition, determined to become the first woman ever to win the U.S. National Aerobatic Championship. In 1991, Patty won the championship, three years in a row, making history in aviation. Wagstaff is a four-time winner of the Betty Skelton First Lady of Aerobatics Trophy and was the 1995 recipient of the National Air and Space Museum Trophy for Current Achievement in Aviation. In 2004, Wagstaff was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Today, you can find Patty perform at airshows across the country or at her flight school in Florida, the Patty Wagstaff Aerobatic School.
Stephanie Chung, our guest today, grew up around aviation because of her father, a Master Sergent, who served in the United States Air Force. She started her aviation career young, working for a Major US Airline- in various roles like working at the ticket counter, ground handlining, loading luggage, and eventually sales.
Stephanie realized her passion for sales, which led her to work in corporate sales, where her quota was $25 million, at the age of 25. Stephanie went on to work at Bombardier as Vice President of Sales of the US West Coast region. She has held several leadership positions for companies like SkyJet and FlexJet. In 2018, Stephanie became the president of JetSuite, becoming the very first African American to serve as president of a private aviation company in the United States.
In August of 2020, Stephanie became the inaugural Chief Growth Officer for Wheels Up. In addition to her incredible career, Stephanie is a wife and mother. She is a breast cancer survivor and has been cancer-free for over 12 years now. She has been featured in the Oprah Daily as a boss paving the way for women in leadership positions. In this podcast episode, we have a conversation with Stephanie on the importance of self-advocacy for women.
In this podcast episode, I speak with pilot, producer, television star, and founder of a non-profit organization, Ariel Tweto. You may know Ariel from the Discovery Channel's hit, Flying Wild Alaska. Yup, that show was based on Ariel's family and their aviation business in Alaska. Ariel is from Unalakleet, Alaska. She is an avid runner and loves outdoor activities like hiking, biking, paddleboarding, and meditating. She has been a frequent guest on the Late Show with David Letterman, and currently, she stars in the IMAX movie, Into America's Wild, which premiered in early 2020.
My discussion with Ariel is on the social media pressures. She talks about how she manages to stay in the moment when sharing experiences on social media, coping with negative comments, and how stays true to herself.
You can find Ariel on social media at @AreilTweto.
Liz Booker is a pilot, writer for children and young adults, and mother of three. She retired from a 28-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard as a helicopter pilot and foreign diplomat in 2019 to write full time. She holds a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University, a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and her Commercial Fixed and Rotary Wing licenses.
Liz is the host of the Aviatrix Book Club, Aviatrix Book Review podcast where she interviews authors of books featuring women in aviation, and the Aviatrix Book Review website, with over 500 books featuring women in aviation and space in all genres, for all ages. You can find her on social media @literaryaviatrix.
She joins the podcast to talk about her illustrious career and motherhood.
Topics discussed include:
- The greatest inspiration and mentor to Ellen
- The importance of a pack- a community to lean on
- Sponsorship versus Mentorship
- Renovations at the Air and Space Museum
In this episode, we dive into this taboo topic as it relates to aviation. Linda and I discuss the expectations for women in aviation, social media pressures on mental health, the TV series, Mad Man, motherhood, and hear stories of people in the aviation community and mental health. Join the conversation.
In addition to being a doctor, Dr. Sima’s career path has taken her to become an educator, government official for women affairs, an advocate for women and education, a human rights activist, and above all, a beacon of hope for the Afghan people. In 2009, she was the runner-up for the Nobel Peace Prize. Hear what Dr. Sima has to say about how the US exit will impact Afghani women, the Taliban’s most recent action against education, her views on how we can support and her advice to the Afghani women.
Shuhada Organization- https://shuhada.org.af
Mic check, how do you copy?
This era is proving to be pivotal for women, as we are speaking up, taking action and challenging the norms and expectations that society has set forth for us. Yep, I said it, norms and expectations that have been set up for us! Take a moment and think about all of the powerful movements that are on the rise to empower women- women who are at home (shout out to the mamas), in the corporate world, Hollywood, women of color, along with women in STEM. And we cannot afford for aviation to miss this opportunity!
It is time for us women to get together and surface some of the long-standing challenges we face in our beloved industry. And just to be clear, men, you are our allies. This podcast is for you too!
AVIATE with Shaesta brings some of the most interesting women in aviation together- trailblazers, record-setters, mothers, adventurers, entrepreneurs- to have honest conversations about what it means to be a woman in aviation. Our podcast guests come from all over the world and they are redefining what it means to be a woman in aviation, on our terms, using our language, and sharing the expectations we have for ourselves.
With our passion for flight at the forefront of every conversation, get ready to be inspired, supported, understood, and accepted for who you are and your place in aviation.
It is hard to be vulnerable in aviation, let alone be heard. Let's change the narrative and AVIATE! My name is Shaesta and I hope you will join the conversation with me.