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. 


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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
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