Episodes

  • What Mervat Sultan Teaches Us About Building Equity and Opportunity for Women in Middle-East Aviation

    What Mervat Sultan Teaches Us About Building Equity and Opportunity for Women in Middle-East Aviation
    Jul 7 2025
    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 all of us.” Major Themes & Concepts Intentional leadership from top management embeds true inclusion Structured mentorship, sponsorship, and male allies accelerate advancement Raising awareness of the many non-flying roles expands the talent pool Data-driven accountability turns hiring goals into real career pathways Public–private collaboration (government, industry, stakeholders) fuels change Precision and a zero-error mindset remain foundational in aviation culture AI and quantum technologies will create new roles—students must be prepared Self-awareness, time management, and preparedness give individuals their edge Chapter Breakdown 00:00 | Opening call: “Skies are wide enough for all of us.” 01:32 | Host introduction & Sultan’s impact on Middle-East aviation 03:53 | Why Middle-East progress matters to global inclusion efforts 06:03 | Sultan’s passion: real stories of women transforming careers 07:30 | Founding Ramjet and learning aviation from the ground up 10:41 | Government backing & corporate accountability in the region 12:38 | Quotas vs. performance: reframing the gender-equity debate 17:31 | Effective strategies: executive intent, clear pathways, male allies 18:51 | Embedding inclusion: systems, metrics, respect in practice 20:24 | Advice to women: seek mentors, stay curious, trust your worth 23:34 | Cross-border lessons: sharing stories beyond geopolitical lines 26:22 | Future skills: integrating AI & quantum tech into aviation education 30:21 | Guidance for new entrants: matching personality to aviation roles 33:29 | Zero-error culture: fundamentals, time-management, real-world anecdotes 36:34 | Closing reflections: gratitude, next steps, and a shared vision Follow Mervat Sultan LinkedIn: Mervat Sultan Follow Shaesta Waiz Website: shaestawaiz.com LinkedIn: Shaesta Waiz Instagram: @shaesta.waiz TikTok: @shaestawaiz Shaesta Waiz on YouTube YouTube (Aviate Platform) Production, Distribution, and Marketing By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group www.massifsp.com LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@MassifKroo.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • What the First Latina U.S. Air Force Pilot, Olga Custodio, Teaches Us About Building a Stronger Industry

    What the First Latina U.S. Air Force Pilot, Olga Custodio, Teaches Us About Building a Stronger Industry
    Jun 19 2025
    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 the time to preserve and elevate our stories, even as others try to erase them. This episode is a masterclass in persistence, purpose, and public service. Major Themes & Concepts ✅ Equity and excellence are inseparable ✅ Male and female allies accelerate change ✅ Family first doesn’t mean career last ✅ Confidence comes from preparation, faith, and self-trust ✅ Institutional bias can be dismantled ✅ Stories must be preserved ✅ Leadership’s tone sets the pipeline ✅ Legacy lives in service Chapter Breakdown 00:00 | Equity fuels excellence 01:11 | Olga's historic military and airline firsts 03:26 | Military childhood shaped global worldview 07:28 | Marriage and motherhood built career foundation 12:19 | Persistence despite bias and rejection 19:00 | DEI rollbacks threaten aviation’s future 24:11 | Latina pilots belong—find your allies 30:15 | Leaders must champion inclusive pipelines 34:12 | Stay visible, grounded, and accessible Follow Olga Custodio Website: www.purflygirl.com LinkedIn: Olga Custodio Instagram: @olgaecustodio Follow Shaesta Waiz Website: shaestawaiz.com LinkedIn: Shaesta Waiz Instagram: @shaesta.waiz TikTok: @shaestawaiz Shaesta Waiz on YouTube YouTube (Aviate Platform) Production, Distribution, and Marketing By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group www.massifsp.com LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@MassifKroo.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • Capt. Lynn Rippelmeyer on Flying the 747, Mentorship, and Moving the Industry Forward

    Capt. Lynn Rippelmeyer on Flying the 747, Mentorship, and Moving the Industry Forward
    Jun 12 2025
    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—Roatán Support Effort, and writing two memoirs (Life Takes Wings, Life Takes Flight) whose proceeds fund medical and educational aid in Honduras. Her core message: a fully engaged, diverse workforce is the only route to operational excellence—and every new pilot has a part to play. Major Themes & Concepts ✅ Equity is foundational to excellence—not its opposite ✅ Mentorship from male allies can open historic doors ✅ You can raise a family while flying professionally ✅ The myth of “safety risk” from women in command roles ✅ Inner confidence stems from spirituality and self-trust ✅ Institutional bias once blocked female captains—until proven wrong ✅ Representation matters: visibility breeds access ✅ Legacy is built not just in flight, but in giving back Chapter Breakdown 00:00 | Cold-open — “You can’t have excellence without equity” 01:24 | Host intro and Lynn’s historic flight credentials 03:04 | Dreaming the 747 while training in a Piper Cub 05:27 | Chief Pilot Carl Hershberg and mentorship that changed everything 07:21 | The 747’s “sacred” feel; pilot-aircraft relationship 10:15 | Tackling the false binary of DEI vs. safety 13:16 | Debunking myths: mental fitness, menstruation, and command 19:52 | Flying through doubt, powered by spiritual grounding 23:49 | Finding support: 99s, WAI, ISA+21, and choosing community 26:33 | Post-career: launching ROSE and humanitarian flying 28:50 | Life Takes Wings & Life Takes Flight — memoirs with mission Additional Resources Nonprofit: ROSE – Roatán Support Effort Follow Capt. Lynn Rippelmeyer Website: lynnrippelmeyer.com LinkedIn: Lynn Rippelmeyer - Speaker, Author - Wings Unlimited, LLC Books: Life Takes Wings Follow Shaesta Waiz Website:⁠ ⁠⁠shaestawaiz.com⁠ LinkedIn:⁠ Shaesta Waiz⁠ Instagram:⁠ @shaesta.waiz⁠ TikTok: ⁠@shaestawaiz⁠ ⁠Shaesta Waiz on YouTube⁠ ⁠YouTube (Aviate Platform)⁠ Production, Distribution, and Marketing By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group ⁠www.massifsp.com⁠ LinkedIn:⁠ Massif Studio & Production⁠ Website:⁠ www.TallawahWorldwide.com⁠ LinkedIn:⁠ The Tallawah Group⁠ For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@MassifKroo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Jessica Ruttenber Exposes How DEI Rollbacks Threaten Aviation

    Jessica Ruttenber Exposes How DEI Rollbacks Threaten Aviation
    Jun 5 2025
    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 FAA’s own data contradicts claims that standards were lowered, and what leaders can do—quietly or loudly—to interrupt bias and preserve equal access for future aviators. From the myth that DEI lowers standards to the hidden costs of outdated specifications, this conversation delivers hard data, candid stories, and a roadmap for leaders who refuse to roll back progress. Major Themes & Concepts ✅ DEI removes barriers—never qualifications ✅ FAA executive‑order rhetoric vs. actual safety data ✅ Height and anthropometric rules that excluded women & minorities ✅ Funding “trigger words” that chill nonprofit grants ✅ Change is a marathon: pacing advocacy to avoid burnout ✅ Leadership duty to interrupt bias in real time ✅ Inspiration + access: why representation still matters for recruitment ✅ Budget vigilance—protecting long‑horizon research ✅ Progress is nonlinear but defensible with facts and documentation Chapter Breakdown 00:00  | Cold‑open—misconceptions about DEI and safety 01:39  | Host introduction—Season focus on women in aviation 03:34  | Framing question: DEI politicization and nonprofit fallout 04:14  | Executive‑order language vs. aviation safety data 08:04  | Funding “trigger words” and scholarship impact 10:46  | Removing the 44 % height barrier; advocacy pacing 13:57  | Women pilots data; crypto‑linguist case study 19:11  | Inspiration vs. access; role‑model visibility 24:10  | Leadership advice: interrupt bias, protect inclusive R&D 26:26  | Closing gratitude and sign‑off Additional Resources Executive Order — “Keeping Americans Safe in Aviation” (Jan 2025) FAA Air‑Traffic‑Controller Shortage Coverage (CNN) Follow Jessica Ruttenber Website: levelupaviation.org LinkedIn: Jessica Ruttenber Follow Shaesta Waiz Website: shaestawaiz.com LinkedIn: Shaesta Waiz Instagram: @shaesta.waiz TikTok: @shaestawaiz Shaesta Waiz on YouTube YouTube (Aviate Platform) Production, Distribution, and Marketing By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group www.massifsp.com LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@MassifKroo.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Sharon Preszler: 1st Woman in Combat talks Fighter Jets, DEI, & Women's Future in Military Aviation

    Sharon Preszler: 1st Woman in Combat talks Fighter Jets, DEI, & Women's Future in Military Aviation
    May 29 2025
    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 push back against the narrative that DEI lowers standards. We talk performance, bias, representation, and the reality facing women in uniform now, as DEI programs are pulled back, stories are erased, and long-earned progress is threatened. If you’ve ever been told you’re “just a diversity hire,” if you’ve felt the need to outperform just to be accepted, or if you care about building a military and aviation community that truly reflects the best this country has to offer—this episode is for you. Major Themes & Concepts ✅ Belonging must still be proven through performance ✅ DEI removes barriers—not qualifications ✅ Sharon’s journey from fighter pilot to advocate ✅ Being the “first” means constant scrutiny ✅ Inclusion is key to retention and trust ✅ DEI rollback is harming readiness and morale ✅ Legacy systems exclude qualified talent ✅ Systemic bias still shapes who advances ✅ We need facts—not fear—in these debates ✅ Leadership pipelines still favor familiarity ✅ Historic bias still shapes modern outcomes ✅ Progress is fragile—but worth defending Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – You must change the system yourself 01:27 – Why this conversation matters right now 04:46 – Flying the F-16 under pressure and protest 08:03 – What inclusion really looks like in uniform 10:19 – Who defines “qualified” in aviation today? 13:59 – DEI rollbacks and historical erasure 18:35 – Data reveals who’s truly advancing 22:46 – Is the system neutral—or just comfortable? 29:18 – Microaggressions and lasting emotional cost 36:44 – Advice: Define success, perform relentlessly Connect with Sharon Preszler Website: sharonpreszler.com LinkedIn: Sharon Preszler Follow Shaesta Waiz Website: shaestawaiz.com LinkedIn: Shaesta Waiz Instagram: @shaesta.waiz TikTok: @shaestawaiz Shaesta Waiz on YouTube YouTube (Aviate Platform) Production, Distribution, and Marketing By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group www.massifsp.com LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@MassifKroo.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • Advocating for Mental Health in Aviation with Capt. Renée O’Shaughnessy.

    Advocating for Mental Health in Aviation with Capt. Renée O’Shaughnessy.
    Jan 16 2025
    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 pilots’ well-being and performance. She also highlights her initiatives to support flight crews, including programs for Aviation Medical Examiners and peer volunteers, and provides actionable strategies for managing stress. This conversation is a must-listen for pilots, aspiring aviators, and anyone curious about the role mental health plays in aviation safety. Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction & Reyne’s Career Path Shaesta introduces Capt. Reyne O’Shaughnessy and explores her journey from summer typist and flight attendant to commanding a Boeing 747. 06:15 – Mental Health Challenges Unique to Aviation Reyne discusses the stigma pilots face when seeking help, how irregular schedules disrupt sleep and wellness, and the connection between chronic stress and flight safety. 14:30 – Overcoming the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Attitude Why honest conversations about mental health are essential for aviation safety, and how organizations can foster safer environments for disclosure. 21:50 – Practical Strategies for Well-Being Reyne shares tips for prioritizing health, including the importance of sleep routines, mindfulness techniques, and building a supportive community. 29:10 – Initiatives and Future Projects Highlights of Reyne’s work with Aviation Medical Examiners, peer volunteers, and collaborations with airlines to integrate mental health components into pilot training programs. 35:00 – Final Reflections & Next Steps Shaesta and Reyne recap key takeaways and discuss the future of mental health initiatives in aviation, leaving listeners with actionable advice for fostering well-being in high-stress environments. Whether you're in the aviation industry or simply interested in mental health and performance, this episode offers invaluable insights into how taking care of pilots' well-being is vital for a safer and healthier aviation landscape. Connect with Shaesta Website: ShaestaWaiz.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaestawaiz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaesta.waiz/ Production, Distribution, and Marketing Produced and distributed by Massif Studio & Production and The Tallawah Group: Website: www.massifsp.com LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group Sponsorship & Inquiries For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast or to learn more, please email: hello@MassifKroo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • A Fresh Perspective: Breaking Barriers and Building Success in Aviation with Reneta Johnson

    A Fresh Perspective: Breaking Barriers and Building Success in Aviation with Reneta Johnson
    Jan 8 2025
    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 field but thrive in it. Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction & Reneta’s Early Influences Shaesta introduces Reneta Johnson, discussing her academic background in aerospace engineering and her initial inspirations to enter aviation. 07:40 – Overcoming Stereotypes in Aviation Reneta discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field and how she navigated these barriers. 14:25 – Retention & Leadership Why retaining women in aviation is critical for shaping the future of the industry—and how Reneta’s leadership approach addresses this issue. 20:10 – Mentorship & Community How mentorship programs and supportive communities can foster growth and success for women in aviation. 26:30 – Developing Tactical Guides for Success Reneta highlights her passion for creating step-by-step resources to help aspiring aviators thrive, from scholarships to networking strategies. 31:40 – Balancing Global Commerce & Aviation & Final Reflections & Next Steps Shaesta and Reneta recap key takeaways, with Reneta offering advice for anyone looking to break into the world of aviation. Connect with Shaesta Website: ShaestaWaiz.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaestawaiz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaesta.waiz/ Production, Distribution, and Marketing Produced and distributed by Massif Studio & Production and The Tallawah Group: Website: www.massifsp.com LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group Sponsorship & Inquiries For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast or to learn more, please email: hello@MassifKroo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Charting New Paths in Aviation Law with Lauren Lacey Haertlein

    Charting New Paths in Aviation Law with Lauren Lacey Haertlein
    Nov 27 2024
    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 industry. For women aspiring to enter aviation, Lauren provides actionable advice and insights into building a strong foundation in the field. Key Topics Discussed: Lauren’s Early Passion for Aviation: Growing up in New Jersey and early exposure to aviation through her father, a Vietnam-era Army helicopter pilot. Career Pivot from Healthcare Law to Aviation Law: Challenges of finding the right career fit and how learning to fly became a turning point. Exploring eVTOL Technology and Advanced Air Mobility: An overview of the technology and its potential to revolutionize transportation and create opportunities in aviation. Work with the Women in Aviation Advisory Board: Key insights from the board's report, including the need for cultural change and strategies for increasing women's participation in aviation. Advice for Women Considering Careers in Aviation: Emphasis on taking private pilot ground school for foundational knowledge and leveraging networking and mentorship opportunities. Words of Wisdom: Lauren shares her favorite quotes and mantras that guide her both personally and professionally, including, "It's all about the recovery." Production and Marketing by Massif Studio & Production Website: www.massifsp.com LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email hello@MassifKroo.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins