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Shaesta's early childhood began in challenging circumstances. She was born in an Afghan refugee camp during the Soviet-Afghan War, a time of great turmoil for her family and her country. When she was still very young, her family made the significant decision to flee the violence and instability of Afghanistan, seeking a better life. They immigrated to the United States and settled in Richmond, California. Their journey to America was shared in the Sunday, The Chicago Tribune Magazine. Growing up in a low-income immigrant family in California, Waiz faced numerous challenges. One of six sisters, Shaesta and her family struggled to adapt to a new culture and language, and economic hardships were a constant reality. Despite these difficulties, her family strongly emphasized education, viewing it as a pathway to a better future.

During her formative years, Waiz did not initially see herself pursuing an aviation career. It wasn't until she flew on a commercial airline flight as a passenger that her interest in aviation was truly sparked. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in aviation, as she was attracted by the freedom of flight represented. She studied aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she became the first person in her family to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree.

In 2008, Waiz attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a prominent institution focused on aviation and aerospace. At Embry-Riddle, she pursued her passion for flying and aeronautics in the Florida skies. Shaesta was an active student, held an officer position in Student Government, interned with Alaska Airlines, and participated in philanthropic projects through her sorority, Theta Phi Alpha.

As a graduate student, Waiz realized the flat-line growth of women at her university and the industry at large and felt compelled to make a difference by starting and managing the Women's Ambassador Program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She founded this program to mentor and support young women pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. Within two years of launching the program, the university's female enrollment soared from 12% to 22% at the Daytona Beach campus. After witnessing the success of this program, Waiz aspired to make a more significant impact by empowering the youth in aviation. She started her non-profit, Dreams Soar, Inc., intending to use her passion for flight to reach young aviation professionals through a global flight and introduce them to aviation.  

During college, Shaesta had the opportunity to meet Geraldine "Jerrie" Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world in 1964. During this meeting, Mock offered Shaesta encouragement and support. Their time together greatly influenced Waiz, motivating her to embark on her own ambitious solo flight around the world.

Mock's mentorship was crucial for Waiz, giving her the confidence to follow in her pioneering footsteps. Waiz's participation in spreading Jerrie Mock's ashes over the Atlantic Ocean after Mock passed away in 2014 was a heartfelt homage, demonstrating the deep connections and continuity among female aviators. This act is a testament to the supportive bonds within the community of women pilots.

Supported by over 40 volunteers worldwide, the Dreams Soar Global Flight was a significant project initiated by Waiz in 2017. This ambitious solo flight around the world aimed to inspire and promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, particularly among women and girls globally. The journey covered over 24,000 nautical miles, with Waiz piloting a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza A36 aircraft across five continents.

The flight from Daytona Beach, Florida, commenced on May 13, 2017, and included 30 stops in 22 countries. Through this remarkable journey, Waiz sought to raise awareness about the importance of STEM education and to challenge societal norms that often deter women from pursuing careers in these fields. Each stop along the route included outreach events where Waiz engaged with local communities, students, and especially young women, sharing her story and encouraging them to consider STEM careers.

The Dreams Soar initiative also highlighted the power of perseverance and vision. Waiz's background as an Afghan refugee turned pioneering pilot added a profound narrative layer to the project, showcasing how overcoming adversity can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Dreams Soar was not just a flight but a global campaign for education and empowerment, echoing Waiz's belief that "you can't be what you can't see," aiming to provide role models and motivation for future generations of women in aviation and STEM.

Through the Dreams Soar Global Flight, Shaesta set several aviation records. One of her notable achievements was becoming the youngest and 8th woman to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft. Additionally, she was recognized as the first female pilot from Afghanistan to complete such a journey. Zara Rutherford broke her record of the youngest woman to fly solo around the world in 2022 when Waiz intersected with Zara on her global flight in Florida to show her support.

After completing her historic global flight in 2017, Shaesta continued to work towards promoting STEM education and inspiring young women and girls worldwide through Dreams Soar.  She was asked by the Federal Aviation Administration to become a STEM Ambassador and help collaborate with them to inspire the youth in aviation. Shaesta is the first woman STEM Ambassador to serve for the FAA.

Since the flight, Dreams Soar has focused on outreach and educational programs, leveraging the momentum and visibility gained from the global flight to further its mission. Through Dreams Soar, Waiz participated in over 60 outreach events globally and has directly reached over 30,000 youths. This outreach includes school visits, public speaking engagements, and participation in aviation and educational events where Shaesta shares her experiences and insights to inspire the next generation.

In 2019, Dreams Soar launched a scholarship program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Shaesta's alma mater, to continue its efforts in empowering the next generation. The first recipient of this scholarship was Lauren Abernathy of Ocoee, Florida. The $5,000 scholarship was presented to Abernathy during the NBAA's Regional Forum in West Palm Beach, Florida.

"Fly, Girl, Fly! Shaesta Waiz Soars Around the World" is a children's book by Nancy Roe Pimm with illustrations by Alexandra Bye. The book highlights Waiz's journey from a refugee camp to global aviation recognition, emphasizing her mission to promote STEM education and inspire young women. It is designed to motivate young readers and focuses on perseverance, courage, and pursuing dreams. Shaesta's profits from the book go directly to the Dreams Soar scholarship funds, further supporting her mission to empower students in STEM and aviation fields.

Today, Dreams Soar has evolved to aim to become the one-stop-shop hub for the aviation industry, focusing on inspiring, connecting, and motivating the next generation. This initiative seeks to centralize resources and opportunities for young enthusiasts and professionals in the aviation field, providing a comprehensive platform to support their growth and development. Dreams Soar continues its mission through this hub to empower students and young professionals, especially women, in STEM and aviation careers, enhancing their access to education, mentorship, and career opportunities.

Shaesta Waiz hosts the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast, where she interviews various female figures from the aviation industry to promote diversity and provide a platform for women in aviation to express themselves. This podcast aims to inspire and educate, particularly young women, showcasing the achievements and challenges women professionals face in aviation. Through this platform, Waiz extends her advocacy and efforts to increase opportunities and visibility for underrepresented groups in the sector.

Additionally, Waiz is the co-host of the Uplink Podcast, presented by Dreams Soar. The Uplink Podcast focuses on aviation, technology, and innovation, offering listeners insights into the latest developments, trends, and news in the aviation and aerospace industry. The conversations on this podcast include interviews with industry experts, discussions on technological advancements, and analyses of industry challenges and opportunities. These efforts further enhance her role in educating and connecting the aviation community.

Shaesta Waiz is married to her longtime college friend Eddie, who is an airline pilot. Together, they have two sons, Alessandro and Rayan. Alessandro, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of two, has been a significant focus of Waiz's time as she ensures he has the necessary tools to build resilience. Rayan, their youngest son, was born in early 2024. The family resides in Virginia, where they enjoy exploring the state's rich outdoor activities and historical sites. Balancing a dynamic career with her family life, Waiz continues to inspire as she navigates her professional ambitions and personal commitments.