'Financial literacy and women's empowerment go hand in hand' — Zahra Hirani | Chief Financial Officer, Boeing Capital

'Financial literacy and women's empowerment go hand in hand' — Zahra Hirani | Chief Financial Officer, Boeing Capital

Author: Shaesta Waiz, Michael Wildes March 22, 2023 Duration: 38:42
The launch of season four of the AVIATE with Shaesta is here. This week's special guest is Zahra Hirani, the Chief Financial Officer of Boeing Capital Corporation. Zahra has a compelling story that I resonate with. In 1972, Hirani and her family were expelled from their home in Uganda and were placed in a refugee camp in the United Kingdom. Eventually, Zahra and her family settled in Canada, where she would spend her early years figuring out her place in the world and her passions. With her parent's support, Zahra enrolled at the University of Waterloo, where she pursued a bachelor's in mathematics. Waterloo provided Zahra with a nurturing and unbiased environment, which was vital since she spent most of her adolescent life being bullied by her classmates because she was an immigrant.   After fearlessly pursuing her love for numbers, Zahra's career includes accounting, auditing, and business advisory services to domestic and international companies. She has dedicated the past decade to serving in various financial and leadership roles for Boeing.     Welcome, Zahra! A special thank you to Atlantic Aviation for sponsoring our podcast and providing these critical conversations and insights to the industry. It has been four seasons now, and we appreciate your partnership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In each episode of AVIATE with Shaesta, host Shaesta Waiz-herself recognized as the youngest woman to fly solo around the world-creates a unique space for dialogue. She is joined by co-host Michael Wildes as they connect with a remarkable roster of female aviators. These aren't just interviews; they are honest, meandering conversations with trailblazers, record-setters, mothers, adventurers, and entrepreneurs. Together, they explore the nuanced realities of navigating a field where women are still pioneers. The discussions naturally extend beyond the cockpit, touching on broader themes of society, culture, and the complex relationships and personal dramas that shape these high-flying lives, all while acknowledging the technology that makes their journeys possible. You’ll hear stories of triumph and setback, the balance of personal ambition with family life, and the sheer adventure of viewing the world from above. This podcast goes deeper than the typical aviation narrative, offering a genuine look at the community, challenges, and profound joys that define these women's experiences. Tune in for a series that feels more like a series of intimate, global conversations than a formal show, all guided by Shaesta’s unique perspective and heartfelt curiosity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 94

AVIATE with Shaesta
Podcast Episodes
Tasha Funes: What Private Aviation Flight Attendants Really Do [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:05
Tasha Funes built her aviation career across commercial, charter, government, and private aviation, and in this conversation she explains how each chapter taught her something different about the job. Commercial aviation…
Katie Hill on eVTOLs, policy, and building aviation’s next chapter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:42
Katie Hill works at the center of aviation policy, government affairs, and advanced air mobility, and in this conversation she explains how she got there. She started on Capitol Hill working for Senator Moran, where ment…
Samantha Spencer: Why airport ops is the hardest job at the airport [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:37
Samantha Spencer oversees both landside and airside operations at South Bend International Airport—meaning she’s responsible for everything from FAA and TSA compliance to snow ops, badging, construction coordination, and…