AVIATE with Shaesta

Lynda Coffman discusses DEI and workforce challenges in the aviation industry, emphasizing that DEI aims to level the playing field rather than unlevel it.

This episode explores Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), including eVTOL aircraft and urban air solutions, and its potential to revolutionize air travel with decentralized infrastructure and autonomous operations.

This episode features Mervat Sultan discussing her efforts to build equity and opportunity for women in Middle-East aviation through leadership and mentorship.

Host Shasta introduces season six of her aviation podcast, focusing on empowering women in the field, and previews an interview with Lieutenant Colonel Catherine 'Lilo' Armandie about diversity and motherhood in military aviation.

This episode discusses the growing impact of women-owned businesses on the global economy, highlighting statistics on revenue and employment while addressing persistent challenges like limited access to capital and societal biases.

This episode explores the aviation legacy of the Showalter family in Florida, from their post-WWII beginnings to inspiring modern pilots like the narrator.

This episode features an interview with Kelly Jost, a civil engineer and aviation professional, discussing her work in advancing gender equality and women's roles in the aviation industry.

Becky Lutte discusses her journey from aspiring pilot to founding the Women's Ambassadors program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to address gender imbalance in aviation through mentorship.

This episode explores the history of women in government and policy, highlighting key milestones and figures from suffrage to modern roles, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in advancing women's rights.

This episode explores the importance of women using their voices to advocate for change, drawing on examples from historical figures and Serena Williams' medical experience to highlight systemic challenges and empowerment strategies.

An engineer shares her experience in an aviation training program where she learned to overcome gender-based task assignments by embracing the identity of an engineer without gender distinctions.

An airport operations manager explains the comprehensive responsibilities of overseeing both landside and airside operations at a mid-sized airport, including compliance, logistics, safety, and stakeholder collaboration.

Abingdon Mullin shares her journey of creating aviation watches for women after identifying a gap in the market during a pilot dinner conversation.

This episode explores the challenges women face in aviation, highlighting Emily Deaton's rise to CEO of JetAVIVA and emphasizing the importance of leadership commitment to cultural change for gender diversity.

This episode features an interview with aviation lawyer Lauren Lacey Haertlein, exploring her childhood in New Jersey, close family relationships, and early influences that shaped her career path.

This episode discusses leadership and well-being through the story of a hairstylist who left her salon for a better environment, emphasizing the importance of finding spaces that support personal needs and building resilience.

This episode discusses why ignoring DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) poses a significant safety risk in aviation, featuring journalist and advocate Kathryn Creedy.

This episode features Veronica Leacock Borchardt discussing the challenges women face in aviation careers, particularly mechanics, and her transition to leadership focused on purpose and inclusion.

This episode features Sharon Preszler discussing how women in military aviation prove their belonging through performance amid DEI backlash and the need to change systems rather than wait for them.

This episode discusses how DEI rollbacks in aviation threaten funding for underrepresented groups and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about diversity hires.

This episode discusses mental health challenges in aviation, featuring statistics on pilot depression and suicidal thoughts, with a focus on retired captain Tammie Jo Shults' experiences.

This episode features an interview with Megha Bhatia, Chief Strategy Officer at JSSI, discussing her multicultural upbringing, professional journey in aviation, and strategic approach to business growth.

The host shares her personal experiences with mental health challenges as a woman in aviation, from facing gender barriers to the pressures of flying, advocating for awareness in the industry.

This episode explores the historical evolution of flight attendants from their origins in the 1920s as stewardesses focused on looks and basic services to their modern role as essential safety professionals and brand ambassadors in the airline industry.

This episode features Shelley Simme discussing her distinguished career in aviation and aerospace, highlighting her roles, expertise in communications and program management, and recognition through prestigious awards.

This episode features an interview with pilot Stephanie Goetz about her inspiring journey from news anchor to aviation leader, her advocacy for women in the field, and her work promoting diversity and breast cancer awareness.

This episode features an interview with Bobbi Wells, an experienced aviation professional, discussing her career, insights on women in aviation, and themes from the Women in Aviation Advisory Board report.

This episode explores the history of aviation and the challenges faced by women pilots, particularly regarding maternity policies and balancing motherhood with their careers.

This episode introduces a discussion on financial literacy and women's empowerment featuring Zahra Hirani, CFO of Boeing Capital, with sponsorship from Atlantic Aviation.

Aircraft mechanic and advocate Samantha T.

This episode features Katie Hill discussing her career in aviation policy and government affairs, focusing on eVTOL development and building aviation's future.

Host Shasta introduces season six of her podcast focused on empowering women in aviation, featuring an interview with Lieutenant Colonel Catherine 'Lilo' Armandie about inclusion and motherhood in military aviation.

This episode explores the story of Jerry Mock, a housewife and mother who flew around the world in the 1960s, highlighting her journey and the book '3-8 Charlie' that documents her inspiring aviation adventures.

This episode explores how adversity fuels personal growth and highlights the resilience of pioneering women in aviation history who overcame gender barriers.

Linda Hall Daschle shares her journey from studying aeronautical science to discovering business aviation and government careers through conferences and global experiences.

This episode features Katherine Moloney discussing her journey into aviation and the founding of Elevate Her Aviation, an organization dedicated to supporting women entering the aviation industry.

This episode features retired Lieutenant Colonel Olga Custodio, the first Latina U.S.

This episode features Captain Lynn Rippelmeyer discussing her historic career as the first woman to fly and captain a Boeing 747, overcoming gender barriers in aviation, and advocating for equity and mentorship to move the industry forward.

This episode features an interview with Sabira Rezaie, an Afghan helicopter pilot who shares her emotional journey of rebuilding her life in America after losing everything during the U.S.

This episode discusses the rollback of DEI initiatives in aviation, their impact on women, and the need for positive social change and psychological safety in the industry.

This episode features Renetta Johnson discussing her 20+ year career in aviation leadership, international business strategy, and her work empowering women in the industry.

This episode discusses how to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in aviation by aligning personal advocacy with business goals and safety considerations in a high-stakes industry.

The host reflects on her personal and professional transitions, including marriage, motherhood, and career changes, while discussing her podcast's mission to highlight influential women in aviation and her work on creating a digital hub for aviation professionals.

This episode explores Ezinne Uzo-Okoro's journey from NASA to the White House and discusses the AVIATE principles in space policy, framed within the host's personal story of finding belonging in aviation as a minority woman.

This episode features an interview with pilot-turned-candidate Shelly DeZevallos about her decision to run for office to give aviation a stronger voice in Washington politics.

Shaesta Waiz discusses the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, particularly in aviation, blending personal anecdotes with research on financial performance and innovation.

This episode discusses the underrepresentation of women in aviation technology, highlighting statistics like only 27% of the U.S.

This episode features Caroline 'Blaze' Jensen discussing her extensive career as a military aviator, leader, and mentor, highlighting her experiences as a Thunderbird pilot, instructor, and corporate professional.

The host reflects on feeling intimidated and excluded at an aviation conference as a college student, sharing a personal story about networking challenges and the universal experience of not fitting in.

This episode features an interview with Dr.

Host Shaesta Waiz interviews Tasha Funiz, an aviation entrepreneur and former flight attendant, about misconceptions and realities of the flight attendant career and her journey founding Exclusive In-Flight.

Shaesta Waiz interviews NASA Johnson Space Center director Vanessa Weitsch about her career and the importance of diversity in aviation.

Host Shaesta Waiz interviews Dr.

Interview with Kendra Kincaid, a Canadian air traffic controller and founder of Elevate Aviation, discussing her challenging childhood and journey into aviation.

An interview with aviation attorney Alina Nasser about her childhood, career path, and work in aviation law.

Host Shaesta Waiz and producer Michael reflect on favorite episodes of the podcast, highlighting conversations with inspiring women in aviation and the importance of normalizing women's presence in the field.

Host Shaesta Waiz and producer Michael Wild reflect on season one, discussing guests and behind-the-scenes stories of the podcast about women in aviation.

Shaesta Waiz shares her nervousness and motivation before meeting Geraldine Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world, reflecting on her own journey and the skepticism she faced.

Shaesta Waiz recounts her solo flight around the world, focusing on the emotional and challenging moments of her journey.

Shaesta Waiz interviews Dr.