March is a whirlwind of activity, a month that beautifully blends the cutting-edge innovation of Mobile World Congress with the powerful stories of Women’s History Month. This year, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing remarkable women across technology, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure, shining a light on their leadership and expertise in traditionally male-dominated fields.
My recent trip to Barcelona for MWC 2025 was particularly memorable. Not only did it mark a significant professional milestone, but it also coincided with a personal one: achieving one million miles flown on American Airlines. As I settled into my seat on the Boeing 787 for the transatlantic flight home, the purser announced the crew, and my ears perked up at the mention of Captain Monika Wallin. Talk about serendipity! A female captain piloting my flight home during Women’s History Month? It felt like a perfect, powerful moment.
Naturally, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to learn more about Captain Wallin’s inspiring journey. Here’s a glimpse into our conversation:
Q: What ignited your passion for aviation, and what has your career path been like?
A: I was born in Sweden to a Norwegian father and a Swedish mother. My father had always dreamed of being a pilot, but financial constraints led him to a career in engineering instead. He envisioned having two sons, one a pilot and the other a ship captain. As the firstborn, I initially disrupted that plan, and then my sister followed!
We moved to the United States when I was two, but we spent every summer traveling back and forth to Sweden and Norway. During those flights, my dad would take me to the cockpit, encouraging me to ask the pilots questions. (Truthfully, it was his own curiosity shining through!) As a young girl, I was often welcomed into the pilot’s seat, even given the captain’s hat. I think that’s where the spark ignited. And, of course, there was a part of me that wanted to make my dad proud.
The defining moment, however, came in kindergarten during career day. When the teacher asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I confidently declared, “A pilot!” Her response, “Oh, honey, girls are stewardesses, nurses, and teachers,” sparked a fire within me. My dad told me I stood up, stomped my feet, and exclaimed, “Oh yeah? Well, I’m going to be a pilot, just watch me!” From that moment on, I was driven. I excelled in math and science, embraced my tomboy spirit, and pursued my dream. I earned my private pilot’s license at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts and then joined the military for further training, serving for seven years.
I joined American Airlines in 1992 and have been here for 33 years, flying every aircraft in their fleet. It’s been an incredible journey. While I was often one of the few women in the cockpit early on, I found 99% of my colleagues to be incredibly welcoming and supportive. The team at American has been fantastic.
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of women aspiring to lead in aviation?
A: My strongest advice is to seek out a mentor. Today, with the internet, there are so many resources, like Women in Aviation, that didn’t exist when I started. Visit your local airport and inquire about discovery flights, which offer young people a chance to experience flying with an instructor. It’s a great way to see if aviation is truly your passion. I also encourage girls to engage with STEM subjects, which open up a wealth of opportunities.
While women are making strides in every profession, seeing women like Captain Wallin and female CEOs in technical fields is still a welcome rarity. It was truly inspiring to learn about her journey and the determination that propelled her to the captain’s seat. Flight is a universal dream, and it’s a privilege to share the stories of women who are paving the way for future generations, showing them that no dream is out of reach.
