ZOYA AGARWAL

Zoya Agarwal, a passionate Aviator and an accomplished Indian pilot and a pioneer, embraces a "Dream Big" philosophy while pursuing an MBA at Columbia Business School. As a Feldberg and Forte Fellow, Zoya, the first Indian woman honored at the SFO Museum’s Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum for her pathbreaking achievements in the industry, also serves as a mentor and ambassador, championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity to empower women in aviation.

In 2013, Zoya became the youngest female pilot to command a Boeing-777. In 2021, she made history commanding one of the world's longest flight from San Francisco to Bengaluru over the North Pole with an all-women crew. Amid the pandemic, she led evacuation flights, bringing back stranded Indians from 12 countries and becoming the first to fly over the critical terrain of Hindu-Kush. 

Zoya's impact extends beyond aviation; she is an ambassador for UN Women's Generation Equality.  Recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "India’s Daughter," she symbolizes a new vision professional milestones showcasing women empowerment, featured in Forbes, BBC, CNN, and more. A passionate TED speaker, Zoya addresses overcoming challenges and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Dedicated to reducing the gender gap, her NGO, "Udan Pari," focuses on educating underprivileged girls, aligning with her vision for female success in STEM Aviation.

While deeply rooted in aviation, Zoya seeks to master finance, entrepreneurial and management at Columbia, aiming to enhance her skills and contribute more significantly to the aviation industry. Her high visibility on social media platforms empowers young girls. She believes in utilizing success and blessings to drive positive change, impact lives, emphasizing that life is about touching great heights but even more importantly, giving back, and leaving behind a meaningful legacy.