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, engineer...
Jul 07, 2025•37 min
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 ...
Jun 19, 2025•34 min
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 t...
Jun 12, 2025•30 min
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...
Jun 05, 2025•27 min
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 op...
May 29, 2025•38 min
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 av...
Jan 16, 2025•44 min
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 t...
Jan 08, 2025•36 min
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 refle...
Nov 27, 2024•40 min•Season 6Ep. 8
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...
Oct 30, 2024•46 min•Season 6Ep. 7
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 conver...
Oct 18, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 6
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 ...
Oct 09, 2024•53 min•Season 6Ep. 5
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 ha...
Sep 24, 2024•53 min•Season 6Ep. 4
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...
Sep 17, 2024•48 min•Season 6Ep. 3
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, a...
Sep 10, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 2
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—Acknowle...
Sep 03, 2024•56 min•Season 6Ep. 1
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 O...
Jul 05, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 11
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 importa...
Jun 03, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 10
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 Airfo...
May 27, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 9
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 charact...
Jan 11, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 8
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 Dis...
Jan 03, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 7
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 th...
Dec 19, 2023•52 min•Season 5Ep. 6
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 Universit...
Dec 11, 2023•51 min•Season 5Ep. 5
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...
Dec 04, 2023•44 min•Season 5Ep. 4
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 bein...
Nov 17, 2023•44 min•Season 5Ep. 3
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...
Nov 10, 2023•53 min•Season 5Ep. 2
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 invo...
Nov 03, 2023•47 min•Season 5Ep. 1
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,...
Jun 15, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 9
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...
May 26, 2023•40 min•Season 4Ep. 8
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 availab...
May 17, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 7
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 fough...
May 03, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 6
