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
Southwest Flight 1380 Captain, Tammie Jo Shults, reflects on her life and talks managing her mental health throughout her career | Tammie Jo Shults, retired commercial airline captain, author, and former naval aviator [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:38
Mental health in aviation is a critical issue affecting pilots and the entire aviation ecosystem. The high-pressure environment, long hours, irregular schedules, and extended periods away from home can cause significant…
'Somebody who has already walked that path, can help you get there faster—find yourself a mentor.' | Lynda Tran, Director of Public Engagement and Senior Advisor to the  to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:33
A powerful statement on the UN Women website read, "A single moment can spark a revolution, collective actions can transform laws, creative expression can change attitudes, and an invention can alter the course of histor…
'Do what you love, love what you do. Believe you can, and you'll be half way there.' | Rucsandra Magdalena Mihai, Founder and Managing Partner at Train Aviation offers her international perspective on the flight attendant sector [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:35
Joining us on the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast this week is Rucsandra Magdalena Mihai, Founder and Managing Partner at Train Aviation in Romania. Rucsandra also serves as the Vice President of Women in Corporate Aviation.…