AVIATE with Shaesta

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...

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 in...

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 cha...

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...

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...

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 diver...

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 pro...

‍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 signi...

‍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 styl...

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...

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 fro...

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...

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 a...

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...

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...

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 socio...

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 a...

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, J...

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 Kansa...

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...

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,...

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...

"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 Pr...

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 Ts...

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....