Takeaways

• Women leaders should be the expectation, not the exception.
• Companies with diverse leadership teams make more money.
• Replacing women leaders is expensive.
• Women are 48% less likely than men to have a senior advocate.
• Leadership structures were designed for men.
• Change does not happen without buy-in from the top.
• Being a male ally means pulling up more seats.
• Women leaders shouldn't be hidden in the shadows.
• We are making our own workforce shortage worse.
• Women leaders in aviation should be the expectation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women in Aviation

01:28 The Business Case for Women Leaders

03:53 Barriers to Women's Advancement

06:36 The Role of Leadership in Change

08:04 Actionable Steps for Inclusion

Sound Bites

"Replacing women leaders is expensive."

"Leadership structures were designed for men."

Join the Movement!

Make sure to subscribe, share, and review the podcast! Together, we can lift women in aviation and aerospace to new heights. 🚀✈️

Episode Summary

Welcome to the debut episode of Elevating Women in Aviation and Aerospace! Host Dana Kirchmar sets the stage for a powerful and necessary conversation about breaking barriers, amplifying women’s voices, and reshaping leadership in these industries. With over 35 years of experience spanning mission control, corporate leadership, and aviation startups, Dana shares her personal journey, the challenges she’s faced, and why this podcast is so important.

Women currently hold only 6% of C-suite roles in aviation and aerospace—this podcast aims to change that. Through candid conversations with trailblazing female leaders, solo episodes filled with actionable insights, and a growing community of support, Elevating Women in Aviation and Aerospace will help women rise, lead, and thrive.

Join us as we take flight on this journey toward more inclusive leadership, greater representation, and a stronger future for women in aviation and aerospace.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Dana created this podcast and what inspired her mission
• The unique challenges women face in advancing to leadership in aviation and aerospace
• What you can expect from this show—interviews, leadership strategies, and real-world advice
• Who this podcast is for: emerging leaders, experienced professionals, and allies
• How to become part of the movement to elevate women in these industries

Notable Quote from Dana:

"Representation matters, but so does community. This podcast is about more than just telling stories—it’s about building a movement where we lift as we climb, support one another, and ensure the next generation of women doesn’t have to fight the same battles alone."

Resources & Links:

Connect with Dana Kirchmar:

• LinkedIn: 
• Website: 

Join the Conversation:

• Subscribe to Elevating Women in Aviation and Aerospace
• Follow the podcast 
• Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

Episode Timestamp Guide:

• [00:00] – Welcome and introduction to Elevating Women in Aviation and Aerospace
• [02:30] – Dana’s background and journey in aviation and aerospace
• [06:15] – The leadership gap: Why this podcast is necessary
• [09:45] – Who this podcast is for and what listeners can expect
• [12:30] – How you can be part of the movement to elevate women in aviation and aerospace
• [14:00] – Final thoughts and how to stay connected

Join the Movement!

Make sure to subscribe, share, and review the podcast! Together, we can lift women in aviation and aerospace to new heights. 🚀✈️