Naval Aviator and Air Force Combat Pilot COLONEL MERRYL TENGESDAL (Ret.)’s journey from modest beginnings to becoming the first and only Black woman to pilot the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft is a story of perseverance, resilience, and breaking barriers. In this powerful keynote, she shares the mindset that allowed her to succeed in one of the world’s most elite aviation programs—despite the odds. Colonel Tengesdal provides actionable strategies on overcoming self-doubt, embracing discomfort, and pushing past perceived limitations to achieve greatness. Audiences will leave inspired to take bold risks, develop mental toughness, and defy expectations in their own lives.

From executing high-stakes reconnaissance missions at 70,000 feet in a hostile environment to leading in military spaces, COLONEL MERRYL TENGESDAL (Ret.) knows what it takes to perform under pressure. Drawing from her experience as a combat pilot, military leader, and aviation pioneer, she provides compelling insights on how to stay focused, make critical decisions, and lead with confidence—no matter the circumstances. With a mix of personal stories and battle-tested strategies, Colonel Tengesdal empowers audiences to embrace challenges, develop resilience, and lead with excellence in high-pressure environments.

MERRYL TENGESDAL is no stranger to adversity. Despite the deck being stacked against her Merryl rose through the ranks of the U.S. military eventually becoming the first and only African American woman to fly the United States Air Force’s U-2 “Dragon Lady” high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. Now retired, she reflects on her experiences in the military and inspires students, business leaders, and organization to defeat the odds and excel in their endeavors. 

As a trailblazer in military aviation, COLONEL MERRYL TENGESDAL (Ret.) understands firsthand the challenges of being the “first” or “only” in a field. In this engaging and empowering keynote, she shares her journey of persistence, adaptability, and leadership, while emphasizing the importance of diversity, mentorship, and creating inclusive environments. Through compelling personal anecdotes and practical takeaways, Colonel Tengesdal inspires individuals and organizations to foster resilience, uplift underrepresented voices, and create pathways for future leaders in any industry.

Groundbreaking aviator, author, and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel MERRYL TENGESDAL brings firsthand insights into leading under extreme pressure. In her presentations, Colonel Tengesdal shares lessons learned from high-risk missions and critical decision-making scenarios to equip audiences with the tools needed to excel in leadership roles.

As a leader in the Air Force, Colonel Tengesdal had to ensure peak personal health in order to meet and overcome the physiological challenges that come with flight. Today, Colonel Tengesdal inspires your audience with actionable advice for rising to meet any challenge, no matter the stakes.

Groundbreaking aviator, author, and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel MERRYL TENGESDAL draws from her extraordinary career as the first and only African American woman to pilot the U-2 spy plane to share the complexities and strength of veteran identities. Colonel Tengesdal’s insightful and motivational talk highlights the resilience, leadership, and adaptability that military service instills, inspiring both veterans and those who support them to appreciate and leverage their invaluable contributions to society.

In this talk, Colonel Tengesdal emphasizes how a strong sense of purpose can drive individuals to achieve extraordinary feats, both personally and professionally. Colonel Tengesdal’s compelling stories and actionable insights motivate audiences to find and pursue their purpose, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in their lives and communities.