Jessica Webster is a corporate pilot and Founder & President of Hera Aviation Group. She has a plan to change workforce rules for mothers and primary caregivers.

Jessica Webster is a corporate pilot and Founder & President of Hera Aviation Group. She has a plan to change workforce rules for mothers and primary caregivers.

Author: Shaesta Waiz, Michael Wildes May 4, 2022 Duration: 1:00:25
Today, our guest is a corporate pilot, Founder and President of the Hera Aviation Group, and mommy of two, Jessica Webster. As a Massachusetts native, Jessica attended airshows with her family and admired the aircraft from afar. It wasn't until the Commander of a P-3 Orion invited Jessica to sit on the aircraft's wing with the crew that she believed aviation was a career possibility. It was a defining moment that inspired her to pursue flight. After a non-linear path to becoming a corporate pilot, Jessica found herself in a difficult situation. Because she was a new mother, she was not given the opportunity to upgrade from her First Office position to Captain, although she worked just as hard as her counterparts.   This situation shocked Jessica and later motivated her to find a way to continue to fly. Jessica was also inspired to start her non-profit, Hera Aviation Group, which raises awareness of the current constraints for women and primary caregivers in aviation and advocates for change within the industry. 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
A Business Case for DEI in Aviation with Jennifer Pickerel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:23
In this episode, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Jennifer Pickerel—President of Aviation Personnel International and a veteran executive search consultant—about the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) effort…
Jessica Ruttenber Exposes How DEI Rollbacks Threaten Aviation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:58
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,…