Book Shaesta

Pilot-Turned-Candidate Shelly DeZevallos Says Aviation Needs a Bigger Voice in Washington

Hear directly from the women leading and shaping the aviation and aerospace industry.

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Shelly DeZevallos has spent decades working in aviation and public service, and in this conversation she explains why running for Congress felt like the natural next step. She argues aviation and policy are already deeply connected—from FAA modernization and ATC pressure to advanced air mobility and supersonic aircraft—and says the industry needs more people in government who actually understand how aviation works. For Shelly, the move into politics is not a departure from aviation but an extension of it.

She also talks candidly about culture, leadership, and the role women play in aviation and policy. Shelly shares a story about mistakenly assuming another woman in the room was not a pilot—an experience that forced her to confront how deeply industry norms shape perception. She discusses why healthy aviation culture is built through small signals of respect, why more women do not step into oversight and policy roles, and how people can start building influence long before ever considering a campaign.

Later, Shelly breaks down what campaigning has taught her: talk slower, listen better, and do not panic. She compares running for office to flying an airplane—stay steady, fly the plane, and keep moving forward even when things get rough. She closes with advice for anyone who wants to make a difference, whether through public office, aviation advocacy, safety work, government affairs, or simply taking the first step and refusing to quit.

CHAPTERS

  • (00:00) Why Shelly chose to run
  • (03:07) Culture and belonging matter
  • (05:30) A mistake that changed her
  • (07:39) Campaigning vs. aviation
  • (08:59) What surprised her most
  • (10:20) Family behind the campaign
  • (11:53) Why women avoid policy
  • (14:20) Advice for stepping up
  • (18:07) Aviation policy career paths
  • (20:57) Take the first step

SPONSOR

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Atlantic Aviation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠atlanticaviation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WORK WITH SHAESTA

For bookings and inquiries, visit: ⁠⁠https://shaestawaiz.com/book⁠⁠

MORE ABOUT SHELLY DEZEVALLOS

LinkedIn: ⁠Shelly Lesikar deZevallos⁠

MORE ABOUT SHAESTA WAIZ 

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