Breaking Barriers: The First Female Solo Thunderbird Pilot

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In this episode, we welcome Dr. Samantha Weeks, a pioneering figure in the United States Air Force. With an impressive career as the first female solo pilot on the Air Force Thunderbirds, Dr. Weeks shares her remarkable journey from military service to her recent role in the FinTech industry. Her story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to service.

Dr. Weeks takes us through her early inspiration to become a pilot, sparked by her childhood experiences and her path to the Air Force Academy. She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced as the first female solo pilot on the Thunderbirds, highlighting the rigorous training and the unique experiences that shaped her career. As she moved into leadership roles within the Air Force, Dr. Weeks balanced her demanding career with family life, offering insights into how she managed these dual responsibilities.

Transitioning from military to civilian life, Dr. Weeks navigated new roles and found ways to continue serving her community, sharing her journey of finding new purpose. Throughout the episode, she offers empowering advice for young people and aspiring leaders, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and pursuing one's dreams.

Memorable quotes from Dr. Weeks include, "Believe in yourself and go after your dreams," and "The world will try to take your drive and determination, hold onto it."

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Dr. Samantha Weeks. Tune in to hear her incredible story and be motivated to pursue your own dreams. Subscribe now and leave a review!

ABOUT SAMANTHA WEEKS aka COMBO: 

Dr. Samantha “Combo” Weeks, is a retired Colonel having served over 23 years on active duty in the United States Air Force. She is a combat- proven fighter pilot who amassed over 2,200 hours flying the F-15C and F-16, including 105 combat hours.

She had the distinct honor of being the first-female solo pilot on the Air
Force Thunderbirds or any aerial jet demonstration team. After retiring, Combo jumped boldly into the fintech industry where she was a successful Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer at a $7B public company.

After 23 years of active duty, Dr. Weeks chose to retire but continued her passion to support the Air Force Academy and the military through her volunteer work as a Secretary of Defense appointed member of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women In The Services (DACOWITS) and a USAFA Squadron Professional Ethics Advisor (SPEA), and as an Advisory Board Member to ROGER Bank, a newly designed digital bank to help military members with their financial future.

Dr. Weeks lives to inspire and empower the next generation with integrity, selfless service, excellence, and a bold indominable spirit that helped her succeed and achieve anything she set her eyes on. Her passion to serve and develop others led her to earn her PhD, ICF coaching certification, and her current role at Victory Strategies.

Her purpose in life are her two young sons and trying to survive the trials and tribulations that accompany energetic young children.

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