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Breaking Barriers in the Skies with Lt Col (Ret.) Jessica Ruttenber - S.O.S. #167
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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jessica Ruttenber, a trailblazing U.S. Air Force pilot who turned her “vertical challenges” into an incredible aviation career. With over 3,000 flight hours, Jessica soared as a Senior Pilot and became a fierce advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equality in the military and aviation industries.
We discuss her groundbreaking achievements, including:
• Advocating for the Department of Defense’s first maternity flight suit, meeting the unique needs of female pilots.
• Leading efforts to redesign Air Force aircraft standards, eliminating height restrictions that once excluded 44% of women from aviation roles.
• Championing the Equality for Military Mothers Amendment in the FY21NDAA, protecting 200,000 Armed Forces members from pregnancy-related discrimination.
Now retired, Jessica shares how her passion for breaking barriers continues as director of Level Up Aviation, where she creates opportunities for underserved communities and pushes for a more inclusive aviation industry.
This is an episode about resilience, advocacy, and the power of change—don’t miss it!
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Level Up Aviation: https://www.levelupaviation.org/get-started
Follow Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaruttenber?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
***Apologies for the sound -- learning lesson!***
Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76