Press Release

Issued by Air Culinaire Worldwide.

January 31, 2017

In the upcoming summer of 2017, Shaesta Waiz, founder of Dreams Soar, Inc., will be flying her Beechcraft Bonanza around the globe to inspire women to pursue careers in aviation. Utilizing the extensive reach of the Air Culinaire Worldwide network and 22 owned-and-operated kitchens, Air Culinaire Worldwide will be sponsoring this historic flight by providing catering throughout the voyage at 30 destinations.

Waiz is the first certified civilian female pilot from Afghanistan. Her family took refuge in California following the Soviet-Afghan war, where they had previously lived a life of hardship. With a new world of opportunities, Shaesta went on to obtain her bachelor's and master's degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Dreams Soar, Inc., a nonprofit organization, was founded in 2014 and incorporated in May 2016 by Waiz to encourage young women to engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and aviation education, especially in aerospace. Her 25,000 mile journey will take place over 90 days, where she and fellow female role models will promote STEM and aviation-related careers.

Air Culinaire Worldwide is proud to support Shaesta in her upcoming mission. Her journey will be followed through the Air Culinaire Worldwide social media networks, featuring her current destinations and cuisines reflecting each region.

John Detloff, vice president of flight attendant services, is personally designing a menu specifically for Waiz. “She could very well be the reason we have thousands of new female pilots in this industry,” said Detloff. “We are more than honored to help her on her historic flight and mission to impact the future of aviation.”

“Every time I open the door of an aircraft, I ask myself, 'How did a girl with my background become so lucky? The truth is, anyone can be me,” remarks Waiz.

Waiz's global solo flight for STEM will begin and end at Daytona Beach International Airport, and include stops in Canada, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Australia. U.S. stops will include Columbus, Ohio; Hilo, Hawaii; El Cajon, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Wichita, Kansas; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Cincinnati, Ohio; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Georgia and Mobile, Alabama.

The longest leg of the global flight is Hilo, Hawaii to El Cajon, California; which extends 2,184 nautical miles over the Pacific Ocean.

In the months following Shaesta's trip, she will continue to empower women through Dreams Soar, Inc., continuing her advancements in flight training, outreach events with her Dream Team and as a motivational speaker. To become a partner, please visit www.dreamssoar.org.