AVIATE with Shaesta

When Veronica Leacock moved from Panama to the U.S., she wasn’t just changing countries. She was rebuilding her entire career—new language, new system, and a licensing process that nearly shut her out. She went hangar to hangar asking for a chance, trained without pay, and kept pushing until an FAA office in Oregon agreed to review her case and sign her paperwork.

In this conversation, Shaesta and Veronica walk through the real path: becoming a mechanic young, having a baby during training, immigrating, studying alone at night, and grinding through the FAA written, oral, and...

When Abingdon sat at a 99s Christmas dinner in 2006, she thought she was just celebrating her new private pilot certificate. Instead, she discovered a gap no watch company was willing to fill: pilot watches built for women. Within hours she set herself an 11-month deadline to design, fund, and deliver a watch that didn’t exist yet. That deadline became the seed of The Abingdon Co., now an 18-year-old brand serving women across aviation and STEM.

In this conversation, Shaesta and Abingdon walk through the full arc: from a 14-year-old chasing free pizza at a high school ca...

In this episode, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Dr. Kimberly Perkins—787 airline pilot, research scientist at the University of Washington, and fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society—about the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion in aviation and why it matters for safety, innovation, and the next generation.

Kimberly shares how DEI was often treated as a branding campaign rather than systemic change, why psychological safety is inseparable from operational safety, and how silence in the cockpit or boardroom leads to risk. She explains why inclusion should be embedded into pilot training as a requ...

In this episode, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Lynda Coffman—CEO of Women in Aviation International, former United Airlines executive, and Northwestern adjunct professor— about sustaining a qualified aviation workforce while navigating the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lynda shares her journey from being the first female engineer in United’s powerplant group to leading airport operations across 63 stations and founding United Ground Express. She reflects on how DEI has been misunderstood, why access is not about lowering standards, and how systemic, purpose-driven action strengthens aviation’s safety and growth.

They discuss why shrinking the pipe...

In this episode, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Samantha T. Mitchell—licensed A&P mechanic, author, and founder of Black Women in Aviation—about building a career where women are still drastically underrepresented, especially in maintenance. Samantha recounts finding aviation through a college brochure, nearly losing a dream role over citizenship status, becoming the first female mechanic for Air Jamaica at JFK, and learning to navigate rooms where she was often the only one.

They discuss how the DEI rollback is affecting funding, visibility, and community support, why “we are more than letters,” and practica...

In this episode, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Jennifer Pickerel—President of Aviation Personnel International and a veteran executive search consultant—about the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in aviation and its real-world impacts. Drawing on over two decades of experience in recruitment, leadership development, and organizational culture, Pickerel examines how performative DEI, policy softening, and cultural misalignment can undermine both safety and profitability. They explore the business case for genuine inclusion, the mechanics of effective mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship, and share concrete tactics for women to advocate for themselves by reframing their requests around company goal...

In this candid conversation, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Captain Reyné O'Shaughnessy—veteran FedEx pilot, human-performance specialist, and author of This Is Your Captain Speaking: What You Should Know About Your Pilot’s Mental Health. Together they unpack the realities of high-stakes aviation work for women: chronic stress that accumulates unnoticed, the double standard around mistakes, and the current retrenchment of formal DEI efforts across organizations.

Reyné shares why completing the stress cycle matters as much as managing it, why foundational habits (restorative sleep, movement, nutrition, real relaxation) are a first line of defense, and ho...

In this episode, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Kathryn Creedy—veteran aviation journalist and advocate for workforce equity—about the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in aviation and its consequences. Creedy draws on decades of reporting and personal experience to challenge misconceptions about DEI, highlight the business case for inclusion, and explore how cultural resistance, policy rollback, and outdated work rules threaten both profitability and safety. They discuss the power of community among women in aviation, the emerging demands of younger generations for work–life balance, and the imperative for leaders to move beyond lip service to real...

In this episode, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Mervat Sultan—founder of Ramjet Aviation Services and President of the Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter—about how intentional leadership, structured mentorship, and policy support have transformed a handful of members into a 1,000-strong network and the largest women-in-aviation conference in the Arab world. 

Over 25 years, Sultan learned aviation “from scratch,” built executive charter operations, and opened doors for countless pilots, engineers, and managers. They discuss reframing quotas as performance standards, embedding inclusion into systems, preparing students for AI and quantum-driven flight, and why “the sky is wide enough for...

In this powerful conversation, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Retired Lt. Col. Olga E. Custodio, the first Latina to fly for the United States Air Force and later, the first Latina commercial airline captain in the U.S. Olga shares the deeply personal and professional journey behind her groundbreaking aviation career—one that began after starting a family, not before.

Together, they unpack cultural norms, leadership, and the rollback of DEI initiatives in today’s aviation climate. Olga discusses how women—especially Latinas—can stand firm in spaces where they don’t yet see themselves reflected, and why now is...

In this wide-ranging conversation, Capt. Lynn Rippelmeyer—first woman to fly the Boeing 747—joins host Shaesta Waiz to dismantle the myth that equity and excellence are mutually exclusive. Rippelmeyer traces her unlikely climb from TWA flight attendant to 747 captain during an era when women “weren’t just under-represented—they were reminded they didn’t belong.” 

She credits key male allies, highlights the power of mentorship, and explains why tapping an inner spiritual compass is critical when the industry questions your right to be there. Beyond the flight deck, Rippelmeyer discusses raising two sons while flying, founding the nonprofit ROSE—...

Military veteran and advocate Jessica Ruttenber—retired Air Force officer, founder of Level Up Aviation joins host Shaesta Waiz to explain why dismantling diversity, equity & inclusion programs threatens aviation safety, talent pipelines, and hard‑won policy gains such as the removal of a height restriction that once barred 44 % of U.S. women from military cockpits.

Politicized pushback against DEI is already shrinking grant dollars, sponsorships, and talent pools across aviation. Drawing on her work overturning the Air Force height standard and running Level Up Aviation scholarships, Ruttenber details how “trigger words” in funding applications are chilling support for nonprofits, why the FA...

This is Aviate with Shaesta, and we’re opening Season 7 with a force of clarity, grit, and hard-earned wisdom. Sharon Preszler—trailblazer, retired Air Force fighter pilot, and advocate—joins us for a rare and brutally honest conversation on gender, performance, and the cost of systemic resistance in aviation today.

As the first woman to become combat-ready in the F-16, Sharon didn’t just break a barrier—she carried the weight of proving an entire generation’s worth. In this conversation, she opens up about the pressure, the skepticism, the “death by a thousand cuts” moments—and why we need to pus...

In this episode of the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast, we sit down with Capt. Reyne O’Shaughnessy, an airline veteran with 35 years of flying experience and the author of This Is Your Captain Speaking: What You Should Know About Your Pilot’s Mental Health. Reyne shares her inspiring journey from summer typist and flight attendant to the cockpit of the Boeing 747, offering an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of life as a pilot.

Reyne opens up about the mental health challenges unique to aviation, discussing how sleep disruption, fear of disclosure, and demanding schedules impact pilo...

In this episode of the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast, we’re joined by Reneta Johnson, a trailblazer in global commerce and aviation. Reneta’s unique journey—from aerospace engineering to leading international business development and strategy—offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities for women in aviation.

Reneta shares her powerful story of overcoming barriers, navigating stereotypes, and building a successful career in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She discusses the importance of retention in aviation, the critical role of mentorship and community, and her passion for creating tactical guides to help women not only enter the fiel...

In this episode of the AVIATE Podcast, Shaesta Waiz sits down with Lauren Lacey Haertlein, Deputy General Counsel for Policy and Regulatory at Joby Aviation. Lauren shares her unique journey from healthcare law to aviation, a career shift that stemmed from her passion for flight and a determination to follow her interests. This inspiring conversation dives into her experiences in aviation law, the impact of eVTOL technology, and the transformative role of advanced air mobility.

Lauren also reflects on her work with the Women in Aviation Advisory Board and shares her perspective on fostering inclusivity in the...

In this episode of the AVIATE with Shaesta, we sit down with Stephanie Goetz, a powerhouse of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Stephanie’s journey is one of courage and transformation, navigating profound personal loss, redefining her path, and ultimately finding her passion for aviation later in life.

From her beginnings as a news anchor to her evolution into a professional pilot and mental health advocate, Stephanie shares how she found healing, strength, and fulfillment by pushing beyond the boundaries she once thought defined her.

Stephanie’s insights on embracing change, nurturing mental wellness, and breaking thro...

In this episode of AVIATE with Shaesta, host Shaesta Waiz welcomes Dr. Eileen A. Bjorkman, a pioneer in aviation who has flown over 700 hours in more than 25 different aircraft, led groundbreaking flight test programs, and authored books highlighting the untold stories of women in aviation. Dr. Bjorkman shares her fascinating journey, from growing up in a military family to becoming a flight test engineer, and how she navigated a male-dominated field with resilience and determination.

The conversation also touches on her latest book, Fly Girls Revolt, which tells the stories of women who fought to open doors...

In this podcast episode, aviation leader Bobbi Wells shares her experiences and insights, reflecting on her childhood in Wyoming, where her fondest memory was singing Christmas carols on a horse-drawn sleigh. Bobbi describes how her curiosity led her from logistics into aviation and emphasizes the importance of asking questions in aviation safety. She discusses the significance of diversity and inclusion, stressing the value of having diverse voices in decision-making. Bobbi highlights her role on the Women in Aviation Advisory Board and the importance of representation for dispatchers. She also calls for a cultural shift in aviation to attract and...

Today, we have the distinct honor of speaking with Dorothy Cochrane, a true pioneer in aviation history and one of the most highly regarded curators at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Since joining the Smithsonian in 1977, Dorothy has been a driving force behind the preservation, research, and exhibition of aviation’s rich legacy. Her career has spanned decades of innovation and change in the aviation world, but what sets Dorothy apart is her ability to amplify the stories that have often gone unheard or underrepresented. Her leadership has helped shape some of the most influential exhibits at th...

Dr. Rebecca Lutte, an aviation education and research expert, discusses the barriers facing women in aviation and the importance of data-driven solutions. She emphasizes the need to address negative workplace culture, including bias and harassment, as a primary barrier to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in the industry. Dr. Lutte also highlights the importance of support structures and outreach programs for underrepresented groups. She suggests that industry and government initiatives, such as formal policies on sexual assault and harassment, can help create a more inclusive environment. Additionally, she discusses the challenges of converting student pilots to private pilots and...

Today on the AVIATE podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Kelly Jost, a civil engineer and principal at C&S Companies, who shares her journey and insights in the aviation industry. Kelly's passion for engineering began in her childhood in Michigan, inspired by her father's construction projects. Her fascination with aviation was sparked by a fifth-grade project on Amelia Earhart, and her commitment deepened after her first solo flight in eighth grade.

As a leader in airport planning, design, and construction, Kelly underscores the importance of standardization in airport design and highlights the need...

What We Discuss:

Contributors:

Cathyrine "Lilo" Armandie

Shaesta Waiz

Michael Wildes

In the highly anticipated launch of Season Six of the AVIATE Podcast, we’re honored to feature Lieutenant Colonel Cathyrine “Lilo” Armandie, a distinguished leader in the United States Air Force with over 1,600 flight hours and a remarkable career. Cathyrine shares her incredible journey, from her early days as an ROTC cadet to becoming a seasoned combat veteran and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within the aviation sector.

This episode explores the core AVIATE themes—Acknowledge, Vocalize, Inclusion, Act, Travel, and Evolve—as Cathyrine provides an inside look at the cultural challenges of navigating male-dominated environmen...

What We Discuss:

Episode Resources:

Contributors:

Learn...

‍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.

‍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 vi...

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...

Introduction:

Background:

Main Discussion:

Career Challenges and Achievements:

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 s...

About Julia Harrington:

Early Interests and Influences:

Educational Journey:

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...

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 e...

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 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 o...

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...

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...

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...

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 ro...

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...

"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...

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 h...

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...

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...

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 Stat...

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...

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...

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.

...

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...

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.

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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 m...

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 f...

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...

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...

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...

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 purs...

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...

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 acci...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 figh...

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 Medi...

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...

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Join my conversation with Fiona McKay at the NBAA convention in Las Vegas. As a podcaster and a woman in aviation, I was delighted to meet Fiona at the convention and learn more about her work to empower women in Aerospace through her movement. As a leading coach, trainer, and keynote speaker, Fiona has reached thousands with her message of embracing authenticity, resilience, and mindset to create change in the face of immense challenge. Visit her website here: www.mckayunlimited.com

Meeting Stephanie Chung at NBAA this year was one of the highlights of the show. The conversation was packed with great laughter, insights into Stephanie’s position as Chief Growth Officer at Wheels Up, and at one point, Stephanie interviewed me, asking me questions about travel. Earlier this season, I interviewed Stephanie: Tune in here: https://bit.ly/3gDfY1i Visit her website at www.stephaniechung.com

Join my conversation with Dr. Cecilia Argon at the NBAA convention in Las Vegas. As the Director of the Human-Centered Data Science Lab at the University of Washington, Cecilia grew up in America with her parents being immigrants. Timid and reserved, Cecilia described herself as timid and afraid to try new things as a child. After discovering flight, Cecilia started her flight training and eventually became the first Latina female pilot to fly for the US Aerobatic team. During my conversation, Cecilia talked about her childhood, her record-setting journey in aviation, and the work she is currently doing in academia. ...

Join my conversation from the NBAA convention in Las Vegas with Kimberly Perkins. Corporate pilot, mother, and PH. D Student at the University of Washington, Kimberly is an amazing woman researching significant areas in aviation like diversity, inclusion, psychological safety, and safety culture. In our conversation, Kimberly talks about her research thus far and what motivated her to study these topics. Learn more about Kimberly at her website, www.kimberly-perkins.com.

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.

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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...

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 Di...

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...

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 wome...

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...

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...

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...

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 R...

Topics discussed include:

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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.

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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<...

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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...