Answering the Call: Lynda Coffman on Leading Women in Aviation International | On Air S2E5

Answering the Call: Lynda Coffman on Leading Women in Aviation International | On Air S2E5

Author: Women in Aviation International March 4, 2026 Duration: 51:52

Meet Lynda Coffman, CEO of Women in Aviation International (WAI). 


She leads the business development and strategic direction of the 20,000-member strong nonprofit organization while partnering with the board of directors and overseeing staff and daily operations. 

 

Prior to joining WAI in January 2024, Lynda served as vice president of United Airlines and president of United Ground Express, a wholly owned airport operating subsidiary of United Airlines. Lynda has more than 30 years of successful leadership positions at United in various roles that highlight her passion for financial management, operational oversight, strategic planning, and talent retention. She has served on multiple private company and nonprofit boards and has received several awards for her influential contributions. A strong communicator dedicated to inspiring youth in aviation and aerospace, Lynda has also held numerous leadership and sponsorship roles supporting initiatives to champion diversity. 

 

Lynda has a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Santa Clara University and a Master of Management from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Lynda resides in Barrington, Illinois, with her husband, and they have a daughter. 


🎧 Available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

📲 Follow us on Spotify: WAI On Air Podcast


#WomeninAviationInternational #IamWAI #WeAreWAI #Aviation #Aerospace #WAITogether #WAIOnAir #WAIPodcast #AviationPodcast 


There's a whole world above the clouds, and the voices shaping it are more diverse than ever. The WAI On Air Podcast, from Women in Aviation International, opens the hangar doors and the boardroom doors to the people making it happen. This isn't just about the roar of engines; it's about the conversations, the problem-solving, and the personal journeys that define modern flight. You'll hear directly from pilots navigating long-haul routes, engineers designing the next generation of aircraft, and air traffic controllers managing the complex ballet of the skies. The podcast also features insights from aerospace executives and the innovators pushing technology forward. Each episode is a candid look at the challenges and triumphs experienced by women, and their allies, across every specialty. Tune in for authentic stories that go beyond the resume, offering a genuine sense of the community and the passion that fuels this dynamic industry. Whether you're a seasoned aviation professional or simply fascinated by flight, this series connects you to the human element that keeps our world moving.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 24

WAI On Air Podcast
Podcast Episodes
S1 E11 - Taylor Deen, Blimp Pilot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:47
Meet Taylor Deen, one of the few female Goodyear blimp pilots in the world.Taylor Deen is one of the few active female blimp pilots in the world. At 37 years old, she has achieved the role of chief pilot with the Goodyea…
S1 E10 - Jennifer Homendy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:35
Meet The Honorable Jennifer Homendy, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair.Jennifer L. Homendy is the 15th Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent federal agency charged by Co…
S1 E10 - Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:33
Meet The Honorable Jennifer Homendy, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair.Jennifer L. Homendy is the 15th Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent federal agency charged by Co…
S1 E9 - Michelle "MACE" Curran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:21
Meet Michelle "MACE" Curran, a former United States Air Force fighter pilot with nearly 2,000 hours of F-16 flying time. Michelle “MACE” Curran channels her unique perspective into relatable storytelling in her newly pub…
S1 E8 - United Airlines Panel Discussion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:39
Ever wonder what jobs are available at an airline? Learn more about the various opportunities available during this episode featuring a United Airlines panel discussion. Nikisha Ramsey – Director, Early Careers and Talen…
S1 Episode 7 - Rick Leach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:07
Meet Rick Leach, President and CEO of GoJet Airlines A long-time aviation industry veteran, Rick has worked in the industry for 44 years in numerous airline leadership roles as well as being a board member of the Regiona…
S1 Episode 6 - Maj. Gen. Regena Aye [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:40
Meet Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, Civil Air Patrol’s national commander and the corporation’s CEO. As Civil Air Patrol’s 26th national commander, she is a major (two-star), the highest-ranking CAP officer. She leads CAP’s nearl…
S1 Episode 5 - Theresa Claiborne [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:47
Meet Theresa Claiborne, the first Black woman in the U.S Air Force and retired United B787 CaptainTheresa Claiborne retired in May 2024 from United Airlines as captain of the Boeing 787 with 23,000 flight hours. Theresa…
S1 Episode 4 - Alison (Ali) Faddis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:29
Meet Alison (Ali) Faddis, Director of Global Aviation Operations for Amazon Air.She brings extensive aviation leadership experience to Amazon Air to oversee Network Control Center, Aviation Standards and Training, Aviati…
S1 Episode 3 - Jonna McGrath [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:04
Meet Jonna McGrath, Vice President of Airport Operations for United Airlines Denver hub. She oversees the safe execution of all aspects of the operation at United's fastest growing hub. She has more than three decades of…