From an Afghan refugee camp to the skies above every continent, Shaesta Waiz shattered barriers as the youngest woman to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft. But before she could take flight, she had to confront the lie that she didn’t deserve to dream big. In this powerful conversation, Lilo interviews Shaesta about breaking free from cultural constraints, the courage to redefine identity, and finding purpose in advocacy for women and girls left behind in Afghanistan.
In this episode:
Who is Shaesta Waiz?An Afghan-American pilot who, in 2017, became the youngest woman to circumnavigate the globe solo in a single-engine plane. She founded Dreams Soar to inspire and resource the next generation in aviation and STEM.
What “ego lie” did she believe?“I don’t deserve to dream this big.” Growing up between Afghan traditions at home and American culture at school, she internalized limits about what a girl “should” do.
What shaped that belief?A strict, traditional household, limited role models, language barriers, and community pressure not to “draw attention.” Her mother encouraged possibility; her father valued practicality—creating both support and constraint.
How did she discover aviation?On a first solo commercial trip as a young adult, the takeoff moment “unlocked” possibility. The cockpit became a place free of judgment where only skill and focus mattered.
What is Dreams Soar?A nonprofit she launched to pair her global flight with on-the-ground outreach for students—turning a record attempt into a purpose-driven mission.
What was the Athens orphanage moment?Many kids—refugees—weren’t moved by aviation talk. She sat in a circle, listened, and met Sara, a Farsi-speaking Afghan girl newly separated from her mother. Speaking in Farsi, Shaesta explained what was happening and stayed until Sara felt safe—realizing her mission was about people first, inspiration second.
Did she make it to Afghanistan?Yes—via commercial flight (insurance wouldn’t cover GA), coordinated with the UN. Hundreds of Afghan girls welcomed her. She also reunited with her father, who—proudly—helped translate and celebrate her journey.
Resources & Ways To Support- Book: Fly Girl Fly: Shaesta Waiz Soars Around the World — proceeds support Dreams Soar scholarships.
- Dreams Soar: Learn, give, or partner to expand aviation access and STEM outreach. www.shaestawaiz.com
- Episode action: Share this episode with someone who needs permission to dream big; leave a review to amplify these stories.
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