Shaesta Waiz

Shaesta Waiz is a pioneering figure in aviation, renowned for becoming the youngest woman to complete a solo flight around the world in a single-engine aircraft in 2017. This monumental achievement was orchestrated through her non-profit organization, Dreams Soar, established with the mission to inspire and empower the next generation of STEM and aviation professionals. Through Dreams Soar, Waiz has actively engaged in over 60 international and national outreach events, directly impacting over 12,000 children. In 2019, underlining her commitment to fostering young talent, her organization awarded its first flight scholarship to a female pilot student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Waiz’s own alma mater.

Waiz’s journey to the skies is a tale of remarkable resilience and determination. Born in a refugee camp amidst the turmoil of the Afghan-Soviet war, her family sought refuge in America in 1987, settling in an underprivileged district in Richmond, California. Growing up in a challenging environment, Waiz envisioned a future constrained by societal expectations. However, discovering aviation transformed her aspirations, propelling her towards a career in aviation and higher education. She is now a commercial pilot, holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in aviation.

As the driving force behind Dreams Soar, Waiz is dedicated to introducing tech-forward and innovative solutions to the aviation workforce, currently serving as a STEM Ambassador to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). She hosts the “AVIATE with Shaesta” podcast, providing a platform for women in aviation to share their experiences and challenges in a predominantly male-dominated field. Beyond her professional endeavors, Waiz is a devoted mother and wife to an airline pilot, with personal interests in cooking, reading, and advocating for women’s rights.

Waiz’s contributions to aviation and STEM have earned her widespread recognition and numerous awards, including being the first female Ambassador to the FAA, receiving the National Aeronautic Association’s 2017 Katherine and Marjorie Stinson Trophy, and speaking engagements at significant platforms like UNESCO, the UAE Global Aerospace Summit, and the United Nations Development Program. Her story is not only a testament to her pioneering spirit but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring aviators and STEM professionals worldwide.