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Women in Aviation CEO Lynda Coffman on DEI and Workforce Leadership

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

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In this episode, host Shaesta Waiz speaks with Lynda Coffman—CEO of Women in Aviation International, former United Airlines executive, and Northwestern adjunct professor— about sustaining a qualified aviation workforce while navigating the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lynda shares her journey from being the first female engineer in United’s powerplant group to leading airport operations across 63 stations and founding United Ground Express. She reflects on how DEI has been misunderstood, why access is not about lowering standards, and how systemic, purpose-driven action strengthens aviation’s safety and growth.

They discuss why shrinking the pipeline hurts everyone, how leaders can challenge unconscious bias in real time, and why support networks and “personal boards of directors” are essential for women entering aviation today. Lynda closes with advice to stay rooted in passion, build strong communities, and never let others decide what you are capable of.

Chapter Breakdown

  • 00:00 | Why Workforce Strength Depends on Access
  • 01:49 | Why This Season: DEI Rollback in Aviation
  • 06:18 | Lynda’s Early Career at United Airlines
  • 10:26 | From Engineering to Executive Leadership
  • 14:29 | DEI as Access, Not Lowered Standards
  • 17:06 | Purpose-Driven Action in Corporate Strategy
  • 20:49 | Building Diverse Candidate Slates
  • 23:32 | Leadership, Culture, and Challenging Bias
  • 28:37 | Responding to “Lowering Standards” Narrative
  • 31:34 | Pilot Shortages, Economics, and Safety Risks
  • 35:11 | Advice for Young Women in Aviation
  • 38:09 | Building Sisterhood and Support Networks
  • 39:47 | Leading with Passion for Industry and Members

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