Vanessa Blacknall-Jamison was the first woman and non-pilot Chairwoman of OBAP. Mentorship has been her brand her entire career.

Vanessa Blacknall-Jamison was the first woman and non-pilot Chairwoman of OBAP. Mentorship has been her brand her entire career.

Author: Shaesta Waiz, Michael Wildes May 11, 2022 Duration: 58:58
Vanessa Blacknall-Jamison is our podcast guest today. Some of you may be familiar with Vanessa’s leadership from OBAP (the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals) or her advocacy and hard work with the FAA. Vanessa grew up in Denver, Colorado, and was introduced to aviation by her mother, a Flight Attendant talent recruiter. Inspired by her mother’s ability to connect with people and her work in aviation, Vanessa started her career as a Flight Attendant. In the last 40-plus years, Vanessa has worked for United Airlines, the FAA, a Member of the Board of Trustees Foundation for the Civil Air Patrol, and the first woman and non-pilot Chairwoman of OBAP. Mentorship and connecting with people are at the core of everything Vanessa does. In this conversation, Vanessa and I talk about her bringing, work-life balance, commitment to lifting minorities and women in aviation, and plans for the future. 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…