Lyndse Costabile
Global STEM Advocate, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur
Prior to her work supporting high level fundraising, nonprofit and corporate accounts over a 17 year period, Lyndse drove sales for several leading worldwide companies as a field sales rep, using her 'no fear' attitude to fulfill customers' needs while meeting sales goals and quotas.
There is an 'art and science' to fundraising, and during her tenure serving Slippery Rock University Foundation, University of North Florida Foundation and multiple key roles at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, more than $20 million dollars was raised, secured and met the needs of students, faculty, research and global projects.
An entrepreneurial heart since the beginning, Lyndse engaged in the travel/tourism industry 2008-2017 as an independent contractor serving clients with both business and leisure travel expectations. Understanding the intricate nature of this industry, it supported her urge to further engage aviation companies to adjust a business model not solely on the bottom line, yet one dedicated to the customer base driving current and future business.
Notable Flight Missions Accomplished:
More recent, Lyndse helped lead the D-Day Squadron (DDS), a division of the Tunison Foundation, in its 'Mission to Normandy." Responsible for flying 15 C-47 restored WWII aircraft to Europe, the DDS successfully reenacted the 75th anniversary of D-Day on June 5, 2019, and completed a special Presidential Flyover June 6 of Normandy American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, for 60 D-Day veterans, Presidents Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron, First Ladies. Lyndse secured more than 45 industry partners and major donors to the mission, with a continued role for ongoing crew and airshow programs through media, public relations, film/production, corporate & donors relations.
Starting in 2014, Lyndse began to support the first female civilian pilot from Afghanistan, Shaesta Waiz, in building the network, energy and industry support of her organization, Dreams Soar. Shaesta founded Dreams Soar with the aim and intent to fly a Beechcraft Bonanza A36, solo, around the world and promote STEM/aviation education to children - predominantly young women and minorities.
In spring 2017, Lyndse traded a paycheck, and in addition to serving as Dreams Soar's board chair, she assumed the interim role of executive director to see Shaesta through her historic global flight mission and STEM outreach program. From May 13-October 4, 2017, Shaesta flew solo to 22 countries, across 5 continents, 30 stops, 32 outreach events, engaging in person with more than 3,000 children, and nearly 25,000 miles flown. Having led Dreams Soar's fundraising efforts, daily operations, global relationships and managing a volunteer team of 25 plus, there is no challenge too great for this woman who continues to support women in STEM/aviation initiatives.
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