The Cost of Silence: DEI Rollbacks, Safety, and the Future of Aviation with Dr. Kimberly Perkins

The Cost of Silence: DEI Rollbacks, Safety, and the Future of Aviation with Dr. Kimberly Perkins

Author: Shaesta Waiz, Michael Wildes September 18, 2025 Duration: 32:02
AVIATE with Shaesta
SocietySociety & CultureCultureDramaFictionRelationshipsTechnology
In this episode, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Dr. Kimberly Perkins—787 airline pilot, research scientist at the University of Washington, and fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society—about the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion in aviation and why it matters for safety, innovation, and the next generation. Kimberly shares how DEI was often treated as a branding campaign rather than systemic change, why psychological safety is inseparable from operational safety, and how silence in the cockpit or boardroom leads to risk. She explains why inclusion should be embedded into pilot training as a required competency, why emotional intelligence belongs alongside technical skill, and how leaders can shift from “I-frame” individual fixes to “S-frame” system solutions. They discuss how DEI rollbacks reveal which organizations were truly committed, why allyship must extend to all—including men in positions of power—and the fatigue marginalized groups feel carrying the burden of proof. Kimberly closes with practical “micro-allyship” actions and advice for young women in aviation: don’t conform or gaslight, strive to be an ally, and use small, consistent acts of inclusion to reshape the system itself. Chapter Breakdown 00:00 | Opening Reflections on DEI Rollbacks 01:34 | Season Seven Recap & Why This Conversation 04:44 | Introducing Dr. Kimberly Perkins 06:08 | Was DEI Ever on Solid Ground? 09:20 | Safety, Innovation, and Silencing Voices 12:41 | Psychological Safety in Aviation Teams 14:21 | From I-Frame to S-Frame: Systemic Solutions 17:33 | Allyship, Fatigue, and the Burden of Proof 21:21 | Message to Young Women Entering Aviation 24:26 | Micro-Allyship Toolkit: Small Acts, Big Change 27:15 | Rollbacks, Military Aviation, and Funding Gaps 30:46 | Final Thoughts and Call to Collective Action Follow Dr. Kimberly Perkins Website: www.kimberly-perkins.com LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Kimberly Perkins⁠⁠ 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 Website:⁠⁠⁠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

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

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