Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Martha McSally

First Female Fighter Pilot in U.S. Combat | Former U.S. Senator | Inspirational Leader on Resilience, Leadership, & Overcoming Adversity

Martha McSally Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000

First Female Fighter Pilot in U.S. Combat | Former U.S. Senator | Inspirational Leader on Resilience, Leadership, & Overcoming Adversity

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Martha McSally
Speaking Fee:
$30,000 to $50,000

Travels From:
TUS

Primary Topic Category:
Military

Secondary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles

 

Martha McSally Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Prior to serving in Congress, Senator Martha McSally served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 2010 as a full Colonel. During her 26-year military career, she deployed six times to the Middle East and Afghanistan, flying 325 combat hours and earning a Bronze Star and six air medals. She broke barriers for women and girls everywhere — becoming not only the first woman in U.S. history to fly a fighter jet in combat— but the first woman to command a fighter squadron in combat in United States.

Martha McSally is a pioneering figure in both military and political arenas, known for her remarkable achievements and inspiring leadership. Born on March 22, 1966, in Warwick, Rhode Island, McSally graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1988 and went on to earn a Master's degree in Public Policy from Harvard University. She broke significant barriers in the U.S. Air Force, becoming the first American woman to fly a fighter jet in combat and later, the first to command a fighter squadron. Her military career includes six deployments to the Middle East and Afghanistan, where she logged 325 combat hours and earned numerous accolades, including the Bronze Star and six Air Medals.After retiring as a Colonel, McSally transitioned to a career in public service, representing Arizona's 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019. In 2018, she was appointed to the U.S. Senate, where she served until 2020. During her tenure in Congress, McSally was known for her advocacy on national security, veterans' affairs, and women's rights. She played a pivotal role in overturning discriminatory policies against female service members and was an outspoken advocate for sexual assault survivors.McSally's life and career are marked by a relentless pursuit of overcoming adversity. She has openly shared her experiences of surviving sexual abuse and assault, using her platform to inspire others to face their challenges head-on and transform their lives. Her memoir, "Dare to Fly," captures her journey from a determined young cadet to a trailblazing military leader and influential public servant, offering lessons in courage, resilience, and leadership.Today, Martha McSally is a sought-after keynote speaker, corporate board director, and executive coach. Her speeches, which draw from her extensive military and political experience, focus on leadership, overcoming obstacles, and fostering resilience. She continues to inspire diverse audiences with her story of triumph over adversity, encouraging individuals and teams to soar to new heights.
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