Meet Theresa Claiborne, the first Black woman in the U.S Air Force and retired United B787 Captain
Theresa Claiborne retired in May 2024 from United Airlines as captain of the Boeing 787 with 23,000 flight hours. Theresa is a pioneer as the first Black woman pilot in the U.S. Air Force, where she served as the first Black woman to command and instruct in the KC-135 Stratotanker during her seven years on active duty in the military and 13 years in the reserves. When Theresa joined United, she became the airline’s second Black woman pilot and retired as one of less than 200 Black women pilots in the United States and one of 25 at United Airlines. Theresa has won many accolades during her long career, and at WAI2025 in Denver, she was inducted into the Pioneer Hall of Fame during a ceremony and celebration.
Interview by: Kelly Murphy, WAI Director of Communications
🎧 Available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
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On Air is brought to you by Women in Aviation International Strategic Partners Amazon and United.
#WomeninAviationInternational #IamWAI #WeAreWAI #Aviation #Aerospace #WAITogether #WAIOnAir #WAIPodcast #AviationPodcast #WomenInAviation
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, Aviation Safety, and Air Carrier Operations teams. Ali’s career began as a pilot at Horizon Air, where she advanced to serve as FAR Part 119 Director of Operations and System Chief Pilot while maintaining captain qualifications on multiple aircraft types. Prior to joining Amazon in 2022, she was Vice President of Flight Operations at Boeing's Insitu Inc., leading a global team of over 200 operators in unmanned aircraft operations for defense applications. Throughout her career, Ali has focused on creating and sustaining safe aviation operations while ensuring efficient delivery for customers worldwide.
Interview by: Kelly Murphy, WAI Director of Communications
🎧 Available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
📲 Follow us on Spotify: WAI On Air Podcast
On Air is brought to you by Women in Aviation International Strategic Partners Amazon and United.
#WomeninAviationInternational #IamWAI #WeAreWAI #Aviation #Aerospace #WAITogether #WAIOnAir #WAIPodcast #AviationPodcast #WomenInAviation
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 aviation industry experience after beginning her career with United as a frontline agent. She's passionate about building a positive culture for employees and an exceptional experience for customers.
Interview by: WAI CEO Lynda Coffman
🎧 Available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
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On Air is brought to you by Women in Aviation International Strategic Partners Amazon and United.
#WomeninAviationInternational #IamWAI #WeAreWAI #Aviation #Aerospace #WAITogether #WAIOnAir #WAIPodcast #AviationPodcast #WomenInAviation
Mary Miller, a longtime executive at Signature Flight Support, retires after a remarkable 40-year career advocating for business and general aviation. She began her aviation journey in 1981 at Butler Aviation as a Customer Service Manager at Washington National Airport. Rising through the ranks, she became Director of Customer Service in 1987, then Director of Sales and Customer Relations. When Butler merged with Page Avjet to form Signature Flight Support, Mary was promoted to Vice President of Customer Relations. In 2010, she became Vice President of Industry and Government Affairs for both Signature and its parent company, BBA Aviation.
Mary played a critical role in the development of the TSA’s DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP), helping to reopen Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) to general aviation following the September 11 attacks. She developed and promoted a streamlined application process, allowing operators to better navigate the DASSP and helping the airport reach near its authorized daily general aviation limit.
Throughout her career, Mary has been a tireless advocate for aviation’s economic impact, working closely with Capitol Hill and federal agencies to elevate the profile of general aviation. She is a respected member and board director of several industry organizations, including the Aero Club of Washington, TSA Aviation Security Advisory Subcommittee, NBAA, NATA, AAAE, GAMA, Women in Aviation International, and the National Aeronautical Association. She also serves on the board of the Washington Airports Task Force.
Mary leaves behind a legacy of leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the aviation industry.
🎧 Available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
📲 Follow us on Spotify: WAI On Air Podcast
On Air is brought to you by Women in Aviation International Strategic Partners Amazon and United.
Interview by: Kelly Murphy, WAI Director of Communications
Meet Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Rebekah Seifer, who grew up on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where living close to the water inspired her commitment to humanitarian service. She received her commission from the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in 2012, earning a Bachelor of Science in Marine and Environmental Sciences with honors. Since then, she has logged over 3,000 flight hours in aircraft including the Gulfstream V (C-37A), Gulfstream 550 (C-37B), and CN-235 (HC-144A), with experience spanning search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, natural disaster response, and executive transport.
Among her many accomplishments, Rebekah attributes her growth and resilience to the strength of her “village” — trusted voices who have helped her navigate challenges while remaining rooted in authenticity and purpose. Tune in to learn why she embraces continuous learning and collaboration, driven by a passion to lead and inspire interprofessional teams to improve communities both locally and globally.
Interview by: Kelly Murphy, WAI Director of Communications
Each episode will take you behind the scenes of the aviation/aerospace world to meet the remarkable women shaping its future.
From pilots and engineers to air traffic controllers, aerospace executives, and innovators, On Air celebrates the stories, challenges, and triumphs of women (and men) across every corner of the aviation industry— all aimed at empowering the next generation and honoring the pioneers who paved the way.
