We had the good fortune of connecting with Shakar Soltani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shakar, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote is “There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living”. I love this quote because its a reminder to me to chase my wildest dreams with resiliency. We owe it to ourselves to make the most of this one life we get on earth. This quote inspires me and reminds me to not be mediocre.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Hi! My name is Shakar Soltani and I am a private pilot. I was recently crowned Ms Texas Petite 2024 and use my platform to encourage women into aviation. My aviation journey began in 2018 when I was hired as a flight attendant for a major airline. Since then, I have transitioned to the business side of aviation (private jets) and have loved every minute of it! I earned my pilots license in 2022 and will be obtaining my seaplane rating this July in Alaska for my 29th birthday! Gotta go big for your last year in yours 20s right? I chose my pageant platform because women pilots make up only 7% of all certificated pilots, and I want to see that number increase. Representation matters and if we want to empower women then we need empowered women to lead the way. What better way to be that example then through pageantry, flying and advocacy!

One of the ways I plan on supporting my platform is through career day visits at various schools in the metroplex. I believe this really helps plant the seed in a child’s mind. I will also be hosting my own fundraising gala on June 7 to raise money for a scholarship I’d like to give out to a woman pursuing flight training. One of the challenges I faced in flying was the high costs of aircraft rental and flight instruction. Fortunately, I received various scholarships to help me fund my training and I would like to repay that to my community.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in life is to not doubt yourself. In both pageantry and flying I have many times felt like an imposter and filled my mind with thoughts that did not serve me. If you are there it’s because you belong. And if you have a passion in your heart its because you were meant to pursue it. When uncomfortable feelings arise, remember why you started and show up for yourself! Be confident in yourself and remember nothing is impossible for you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If they’ve never been to Texas, then I have to give them the whole Texas experience! I would make sure to have them try Whataburger, Bucees and have a day to explore the Fort Worth Stockyards . If this friend enjoys working out, I’d take them to a donation based yoga studio I enjoy going to called Black Swan Yoga in Bishop Arts or to run the Katy Trail. For some nice views of the city, I’d take them to the reunion tower observation deck after grabbing a drink from the artsy Virgin Hotel. For food, I’d recommend Nick and Sams steakhouse because not only is the food phenomenal, but the experience is like no other. If they’re outdoorsy, then I’d have them check out White Rock lake and/or Cedar Hill Preserve. I also love going to the Dallas Museum of Art because its free and Klyde Warren Park is conveniently located across the street so we could grab lunch from the food trucks there. I would also rent a plane and fly it to Stephenville, TX for some bbq at Hard 8!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
@dfwflowerwall @daniela_diaz267

Instagram: @shakarsoltani

Image Credits
@_yaraphotography_ @jrniejade @ohjayy.parker @itsbrentw @cassidyklein

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