Cholene Espinoza

Cholene Espinoza was the second woman to fly the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft in the U.S. Air Force. She logged over 200 hours of combat time and was awarded the Air Medal and Aerial Achievement Medal for her service.

She is a military correspondent for Talk Radio News Service and was an embedded journalist with the U.S. Marine Corps 1st Tank Battalion during the Iraq War. She has also reported from Syria, Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, Jordan, and Kuwait. She won a National Press Woman's award and was a finalist for the New York Festivals Radio Award for her coverage of the war in 2003.

Espinoza graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1987. She was selected to be a jet instructor pilot in 1988. She trained pilots from all over the world, including the United States, the Middle East, and South America.

She is a Captain for United Airlines on the Airbus 320 and 319. She is also rated to fly the Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777 and Gulfstream V. She is a consultant to Medley Global Advisors; a director of CornerPost Software, LLC, a company that protects children from potentially harmful internet content; and a board member of Fast Ditch Inc., a company that specializes in innovative solutions for water conservation. She is a certified mediator and teaches conflict resolution to labor organizations.

Her awards include Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction in 2004, White House Fellowship Northeast Regional Finalist in 2004, New Mexico's Trailblazer Award in 2000, United Airlines Community Service Award in 1997, Lance P. Sijan U.S. Air Force Leadership Award in 1991, Squadron Officer of the Year in 1990, and Squadron Athlete of the Year in 1989.

Espinoza is from Espanola, New Mexico, and currently lives in New York City with her partner, Ellen Ratner.