Rising Stars: Meet Wanda Joell of Suwanee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanda Joell.

Hi wanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story begins as a childhood dream and passion to become a flight attendant, Moving to the USA at early age from the island of Bermuda on that particular flight the flight attendant inspired me in such a big way I held on to that career and passion to fly until
It became a reality, after several commercial airline interviews etcc and to no avail, I joined the Air Force and unbeknown to me they had flight attendants, my childhood dream now a reality and I also made an historic mark as the First African American Women to be permanently hired aboard Air Force One, serving 4 US presidents and 4 First Ladies of the USA

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were several challenges along the way, serving in a career field with predominantly male flight attendants, some who never served or were not accustomed to serving with women in armed forces, I was selected as one of four women flight attendants on AF1, and the only woman of color. They set high expectations for me to prove that I was capable of fulfilling the same responsibilities that was required, I continued my educational studies in a competitive small career field for promotion by enrolling in college classes & completed 3 degrees with a 4.0, which they discouraged, Never gave up on the challenges, accomplished my goals, broke barriers & open doors for others to follow.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I served in USAF for 28 years serving on AF1 for 24 years. My duty title was Deputy Flight Attendant on AF1. Serving 4 Presidents, also Superintendent of First Lady Operations serving First Ladies. I served President George H W Bush, President William Clinton, President Bush and President Obama, First Ladies; Mrs. bush, Mrs Clinton and Mrs Obama.
Most proud of making an historic mark as first African American Woman permanently hired aboard AF1 missions

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The city of Atl is very diverse with alot of opportunities to excel, they location is centralized & accessible to interstate to travel northbound or southbound directions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wandajoell.com
• Facebook: Wanda Joell