Cleared for Takeoff: Ishitha Arekapudi on Aviation, Leadership, and Breaking Barriers in the Sky

In this inspiring episode of Her Path to Success, Sia sits down with Ishitha Arekapudi—young pilot, aviation advocate, author, and founder of the IHS Sky Riders program—to explore what it means to chase bold dreams at a young age. Ishitha shares how she discovered aviation early on, the challenges of becoming a pilot in a traditionally male-dominated field, and the unforgettable moment of her first solo flight.From flying gliders to powered airplanes, earning certifications and scholarships, and launching programs that empower underrepresented students in aerospace, Ishitha reflects on how aviation shaped her confidence, leadership, and sense of purpose. She also opens up about her future aspirations in astrobiology and space exploration, her book Cleared for Takeoff, and why she believes young people—especially women—will define the next era of flight.