092 The Story of Shaesta Waiz: An Afghan Refugee Who Flew Around the World in a Single-Engine Aircraft

When Women Fly

Shaesta Waiz is an American pilot, the first female certified civilian pilot born in Afghanistan and the youngest woman to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft (new records being set every year). This is a fascinating and unfolding story about rising from adversity and discovering what is possible.
Flying is closely linked to freedom and opportunity. If you could circumnavigate the globe in an aircraft with one message, what would it be?
Shaesta has a burning desire to help others like her – underserved as a youth - to work hard, never give up and follow their dreams. As an Earthrounder (a unique and rare breed of pilot, setting themselves apart from the more conventional modes of air travel, possessing one unifying achievement: piloting a light aircraft around the entire world), Shaesta's story is layered with grit and determination alongside a deep desire to serve.
This is a conversation about overcoming obstacles, creating opportunities, embracing a dual identity, pursuing a big dream, and resetting in a new chapter of life.
Hear about Shaesta’s journey, her grace and commitment to serve, and how she uses her platform to inspire and encourage young women around the world to seek education in STEM and pursue their passions.
Shaesta started Dreams Soar to share her story with girls and young women around the world, to let them know it is possible to achieve their dreams, regardless of the challenges and traditions they may face.
Topics Include:

• Growing up as an Afghan refugee in the US
• Gender roles and what she saw possible as a young girl
• What sparked a love of flying
• Why and how she planned her trip around the world
• Highs, lows, endurance and lice
• Challenges and doubts, trusting intuition
• Mental health and aviation
• Working towards a goal
• Importance of STEM education and access for women
• And other topics...

Shaesta Waiz was born in Afghanistan at a refugee camp during the Soviet-Afghan War in 1987. Her family came to the United States and grew up in California. Although it wasn't until graduating high school that Sheasta dreamed of an aviation career, she accomplished a great deal in short order. She is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the first certified civilian female pilot from Afghanistan. She earned a record for being youngest woman to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft. Shaesta is the founder of Dreams Soar, a woman’s ambassador program where young women interested in an education in aviation and engineering are mentored and supported.
Resources Mentioned:
Chicago Tribune Article: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-07-05-8702190664-story.html
Dreams Soar: http://dreamssoar.org/
Shaesta’s Podcast, “Aviate”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aviate-with-shaesta/id1577977608
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