From the National Air and Space Museum press release:
"The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum 2018 Current Achievement Trophy will be awarded to Shaesta Waiz of Dreams Soar Inc. on March 27 at a black-tie dinner in Washington, D.C.
Established in 1985, the award recognizes outstanding achievements in the fields of aerospace science and technology and their history.
“The winners of the 2018 Trophy have played a significant role in inspiring the next generation of innovators and engineers,” said Chris Browne, interim director of the museum. “Gen. Dailey has spent his life serving our country in the aerospace industry, most recently as director of the National Air and Space Museum, and Shaesta Waiz continues to motivate young people after her extraordinary flight around the world.”
Shaesta Waiz, the 2018 Current Achievement winner is a pilot, founder of the nonprofit organization Dreams Soar Inc. and an advocate for the rights of girls and women around the world. Originally from Afghanistan and having overcome difficult circumstances in her own life, Waiz realized the importance of inspiring others to live their dreams. She created Dreams Soar Inc. and uses aviation as a means to inspire and educate youth about STEM careers. Last year, she embarked on a solo flight around the world in a Beechcraft Bonanza A36, where she traveled to five continents, visited 22 countries, and personally inspired over 3,000 children and young adults. On Oct. 4, 2017, with the completion of the flight, Waiz became the youngest woman to circumnavigate the world solo in a single-engine airplane. The purpose of the trip was to engage, empower and motivate youth, especially girls, to explore STEM-related fields and aviation education. Waiz and Dreams Soar focused much of their attention on children from low socioeconomic environments and regions not supportive of women’s rights and education. The organization continues to promote STEM education to young people today."
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